Interventional Cardiology
Minimally invasive catheter-based techniques to diagnose and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Department Overview
Interventional Cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology that uses minimally invasive catheter-based techniques to diagnose and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
These procedures often make it possible to avoid conventional open-heart surgery and allow faster recovery, lower risk, and a shorter hospital stay. The department treats diseases of the coronary arteries, heart valves, congenital heart defects, the aorta, and peripheral blood vessels.
Diseases and Conditions
The department diagnoses and treats a wide range of cardiovascular diseases that can be managed with minimally invasive interventions:
Coronary artery disease and acute myocardial infarction
a condition caused by the accumulation of fatty deposits and atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries, reducing or interrupting blood flow to the heart muscle. It can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart attack.Valvular heart disease
disorders of the aortic, mitral, and pulmonary valves, in which the valves do not open or close properly. This may cause fatigue, fainting, shortness of breath, and heart failure.Congenital heart defects and septal defects
structural heart abnormalities present from birth, such as openings between the heart chambers (ASD, VSD, PFO), coarctation of the aorta, or other congenital narrowings and abnormalities.Aortic diseases
including aneurysms, dissections, and coarctation of the aorta. An aneurysm is an enlargement of the aorta with a risk of rupture, while dissection is a tear in the wall of the aorta with a high risk of life-threatening bleeding. Coarctation is a congenital narrowing of the aorta.Peripheral vascular disease
narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs, arms, or other parts of the body, which may cause pain, weakness, and impaired circulation.Narrowing and occlusion of the carotid, renal, and peripheral arteries
conditions that may lead to stroke, high blood pressure, kidney damage, or reduced circulation in the limbs.Pulmonary embolism and thrombi in the pulmonary circulation
conditions in which a blood clot blocks the blood vessels in the lungs and may cause sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and serious complications.Patent foramen ovale (PFO) and cryptogenic stroke
the presence of a small opening between the atria of the heart, which in certain patients may be associated with unexplained stroke, migraine, or transient neurological symptoms.
Diagnostics
The department uses modern invasive and non-invasive diagnostic procedures:
Imaging of the coronary arteries with contrast, most often through an artery in the arm. It is used to detect narrowing and blockages of the coronary arteries and is the primary method for assessment in patients with angina or suspected heart attack. The patient is usually discharged the same day.
Imaging of the arteries of the body to detect narrowing or occlusion of blood vessels in the arms, legs, and other organs.
Contrast imaging of the aorta to detect aneurysms, dissections, and stenosis.
Direct imaging of the neck arteries that supply the brain, in order to detect narrowing or occlusion and assess the risk of stroke.
Evaluation of the patency of bypass grafts in patients who have previously undergone cardiac surgery.
Imaging of the heart chambers with assessment of their size and pumping function.
Imaging of the pulmonary circulation to detect blood clots and pulmonary embolism.
Direct measurement of pressures within the heart chambers in patients with valve disease, heart failure, and congenital heart defects.
Imaging of the renal arteries in patients with suspected renovascular hypertension or narrowing of the renal arteries.
Contrast imaging of the veins in the arms and legs.
A non-invasive test used to detect a right-to-left shunt in the heart, most commonly in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO). It is used in patients with unexplained stroke, migraine, loss of consciousness, or suspected PFO.
Treatments and Interventions
The department performs a wide range of modern interventions:
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
treatment of narrowed or blocked coronary arteries with stent placement or balloon dilation, either as a planned procedure or as an emergency intervention during acute myocardial infarction.Drug-eluting stent implantation
placement of modern stents that release medication and reduce the risk of restenosis.Drug-coated balloon angioplasty
treatment without stent implantation in selected types of lesions.Carotid artery stenting
treatment of narrowing of the neck arteries in order to reduce the risk of stroke.Peripheral and renal artery stenting
treatment of narrowing of the arteries in the arms, legs, and kidneys.TEVAR and EVAR
minimally invasive placement of a stent graft for aneurysms and dissections of the thoracic and abdominal aorta.Treatment of coarctation of the aorta
placement of a stent at the site of congenital narrowing of the aorta.TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)
minimally invasive replacement of the aortic valve via catheter, without opening the chest.Valve-in-Valve procedure
implantation of a new valve inside a previously implanted biological valve.MitraClip
minimally invasive treatment for severe mitral regurgitation.Closure of PFO, ASD, and VSD
procedures involving placement of an occluder device through a vein in the groin to close openings between the heart chambers.Closure of patent ductus arteriosus
closure of the channel between the aorta and pulmonary artery using a coil or occluder device.Balloon dilation of aortic and pulmonary stenosis
expansion of narrowed valves using a balloon catheter.
Technology and Equipment
The department is equipped with a state-of-the-art angiography laboratory and advanced equipment for interventions:
Philips Azurion 7 M20
the latest generation angiography system with high resolution and advanced imaging capabilities, enabling the most modern cardiac and vascular procedures.Modern angiography suite
with real-time digital imaging, allowing precise catheter guidance and safe performance of complex interventions.Equipment for complex coronary, valvular, and vascular interventions
including balloons, stents, stent grafts, occluders, and valve implantation systems.Systems for implantation of stents, occluders, and valves
in patients with coronary disease, congenital heart defects, and valvular disease.Equipment for hybrid and minimally invasive procedures
enabling a combination of catheter-based and surgical approaches when necessary.
Patient Journey
Initial Consultation
Cardiovascular examination and assessment by an interventional cardiologist.
Additional Diagnostics
Laboratory analyses, echocardiography, TCD, angiography, or catheterization as required.
Preparation for the Procedure
Discussion with the team, explanation of the intervention, and signing of informed consent.
Performance of the Procedure
Intervention in the angiography suite, most often through an artery or vein in the arm or groin.
Short Stay and Monitoring
Day hospital stay or admission to a ward or intensive care unit, depending on the type of intervention.
Follow-Up and Long-Term Monitoring
Regular cardiology check-ups and assessment of the results of the intervention.