Advanced Minimally Invasive Heart & Vascular Procedures
Interventional cardiology focuses on diagnosing and treating heart and vascular conditions using minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures. These advanced techniques allow many patients to receive effective treatment without traditional open-heart surgery, often resulting in shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and less discomfort. At Cardiovascular Physicians of Delaware, our experienced interventional cardiologists use state-of-the-art technology to provide personalized care for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions.
Conditions Treated with Interventional Cardiology
Interventional cardiology can help treat many forms of heart and vascular disease, particularly those caused by narrowed or blocked blood vessels or damaged heart valves. Our physicians commonly care for patients with coronary artery disease, chest pain (angina), heart valve disease, peripheral artery disease, and other conditions that may benefit from minimally invasive treatment. We work closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on their symptoms, overall health, and diagnostic testing.
Who May Benefit from Interventional Cardiology?
You may be a candidate for interventional cardiology if you have persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, worsening fatigue, abnormal cardiac test results, or symptoms related to blocked arteries or heart valve disease. Many patients are referred after cardiac imaging or diagnostic testing identifies a condition that can be treated with a catheter-based procedure. Our cardiologists carefully evaluate every patient to determine whether an interventional procedure is appropriate or if another treatment option is recommended.
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Procedures
Heart Catheterization
A Heart Catheterization (Cardiac Cath) is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel—usually in the wrist or groin—and guided to the heart. Contrast dye is then injected to visualize the coronary arteries, heart chambers, and valves on X-ray. This test helps identify blockages, assess heart function, and determine the need for treatments like stents or surgery. It’s typically done under local anesthesia, takes about 30–60 minutes, and is a vital tool for accurate heart diagnosis and care planning.
Stent Placement & Coronary Angioplasty
Coronary angioplasty and stent placement are minimally invasive procedures used to restore blood flow through narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. During the procedure, your interventional cardiologist guides a thin catheter to the affected artery and inflates a small balloon to widen the blockage. In many cases, a tiny mesh tube called a stent is then placed to help keep the artery open and reduce the risk of future narrowing. These procedures can relieve symptoms such as chest pain, improve blood flow to the heart, and lower the risk of heart attack for appropriate patients.
TAVR
TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly, a condition known as aortic stenosis. Instead of open-heart surgery, TAVR uses a catheter inserted through a small incision in the leg or chest to deliver a new valve to the heart. Once in place, the new valve takes over the job of regulating blood flow. TAVR is ideal for patients at intermediate or high risk for traditional surgery and offers a quicker recovery, reduced hospital stay, and significant improvement in symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.
