These are a group of procedures in which the narrowed artery is opened by various types of tools such as tiny balloons or cutting catheters. The goal is to open the artery to allow adequate blood flow. Depending on the type of blockage you have, the artery may narrow and restrict blood flow again which is called restenosis. It is important to know that restenosis happens to only about one-third of newly opened arteries, and usually within the first six months. If it occurs, your doctor may recommend a repeat procedure or intervention.
Intracoronary Stent
This is a procedure in which a tiny metal coil (similar to the spring in a ballpoint pen) is inserted into a coronary artery via a balloon catheter. The stent provides reinforcement
to the artery wall and prevents it from closing. When stents are placed in the artery, the body often responds by increasing cell production creating a scar, which can lead to a problem
called “in-stent restenosis.”
Drug Eluting Stent (DES)
DES are stents coated with a medication that decreases cell growth within the artery lumen preventing the scarring around the stent coils.
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Atrial Septal Defects are successfully repaired in the catheterization lab using a catheter, which will reduce the recovery time to 1- to 2 days versus a 4- to 6-week recovery with an open heart surgical approach.
Valvuloplasty
Valvuloplasty involves inserting a catheter with a balloon into the aortic or mitral valve, or both. The balloon is inflated across the valve to decrease obstruction within the valve.
Repair Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)
Aortic valvuloplasty is a procedure that is used to open a stenotic aortic valve. Aortic valve stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve is deformed and narrowed. The narrowing or stenosis is caused by valve leaflets that are thickened and fused.
Atherectomy (DCA)
A technique in which a small mechanical cutter inserted through a catheter is used to gently shave away the deposits or plaque from the walls of the blocked artery, restoring blood flow throughout the artery to the heart muscle.