Skip to Content
Balloon angioplasty procedure with stent in vein. 3d illustration

Interventional cardiology procedures are non-surgical options that employ a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to repair damaged or weakened veins, restricted arteries, or other heart structure problems using a variety of techniques. With advancements in technology and knowledge, interventional cardiology procedures are proven to be an effective option for treating several heart conditions.

Call 478.207.5224 for more information about interventional cardiology for treating your heart condition.

Benefits of Interventional Cardiology Procedures

  • Faster Recovery Time
  • Less Scarring
  • More Effective & Precise Treatments

What are Interventional Cardiology Procedures?

Medical technology continues to advance, and now cardiologists have several tools to manage and treat heart conditions without invasive surgery. The following are some examples of interventional cardiology procedures performed by Middle Georgia Heart professionals.

Angiogram/Heart Catheterization

For patients suffering from artery blockages, an angiogram (also called coronary arteriography) can help your surgeon determine the best treatment plan for you.

During this procedure, your surgeon will insert a small tube through your femoral artery, called a catheter. You’ll be injected with iodine dye to allow the surgeon to clearly see any artery blockages through X-rays.

Angioplasty

If you’ve been diagnosed with a blocked or narrowed artery, an angioplasty can re-open the artery to restore blood supply to your heart. During an angioplasty procedure, your surgeon will insert a catheter through your femoral artery and direct it to the problem site. The catheter will then inflate a small balloon at the blockage, flattening the built-up plaque and widening the artery. This procedure is frequently followed by placing an arterial stent.

Arterial Stent

Your doctor may place an arterial stent at the blockage site during your angioplasty. The balloon that expands your artery during the angioplasty procedure is not permanent, so the arterial stent is designed to keep the blocked vessel open. This stent is safe to remain in your body, and your artery will grow over it.

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closures

The upper chambers of the heart have a wall separating them called the septum. While a baby is in the womb, the septum has a hole called the foramen ovale, allowing the fetus to receive blood from its mother. Following birth, the foramen ovale is supposed to close. When it doesn’t, this is known as a patent foramen ovale. By using a catheter, your doctor can place a permanent device to keep the foramen ovale closed. This device is called a PFO Occluder, a wire mesh made from nickel and titanium alloy.

Choose the Advanced Cardiology Team at Middle Georgia Heart

Middle Georgia Heart is a practice built on a commitment to compassionate, knowledgeable cardiovascular care. Our medical professionals offer a level of quality found nowhere else in Middle Georgia and provide patients the personal attention they need.