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Interventional Cardiology: Advanced Heart Care Without Open Surgery

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When your heart or blood vessels need treatment, an interventional cardiologist may be able to help—without the need for open surgery. Interventional cardiology uses minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions through tiny incisions and specialized tools. 

What Happens During an Interventional Procedure?

A specially trained doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into an artery—usually in your wrist (radial artery) or groin (femoral artery). Through this catheter, they can deliver tiny medical instruments and inject a special dye. This dye makes your blood vessels visible on fluoroscopy, a type of real-time X-ray imaging. These tools help your doctor locate the problem and treat it with precision.

Benefits of Interventional Techniques

  • Minimally invasive: Only a small incision is needed
  • Faster recovery: Less discomfort and quicker healing than traditional surgery
  • Accurate diagnosis and treatment with advanced imaging and technology

Interventional Procedures We Offer

At MercyOne, our expert team uses interventional techniques to improve blood flow and heart function. Procedures include:

  • Angioplasty and Stenting (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, PCI): Opens a blocked or narrowed artery using a tiny balloon,followed by the placement of a stent (a tiny mesh tube) to keep it open long-term.
  • Atherectomy: Removes plaque from artery walls to restore blood flow.
  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure: Repairs a hole between the heart’s upper chambers.
  • Carotid Artery Stenting: Opens narrowed carotid arteries to help prevent stroke.
  • Coronary and Peripheral Stenting: Places a stent in the heart or limbs to support blood flow.
  • Heart Catheterization (Cardiac Cath): This diagnostic procedure helps doctors see how well your heart is working. It can show if you have blocked arteries, valve problems or other heart issues
  • Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): Replaces a diseased aortic valve with a new one through a catheter.
  • Embolectomy: Removes a blood clot from a blood vessel in an emergency.
  • Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure: Closes a small opening between the heart's upper chambers present from birth.
  • Renal Denervation: Uses heat or ultrasound to disrupt nerves in the kidneys to lower blood pressure
  • Valvuloplasty: Uses a balloon to open a narrowed heart valve.

Your Comfort and Recovery Matter

Whenever possible, we use radial artery access in your wrist, which typically leads to faster, more comfortable recovery compared to traditional access through the groin. Our expert team focuses on your safety, comfort, and long-term heart health—every step of the way.

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