Heart Catheterization, Angioplasty, And Stenting Specialist

What is heart catheterization?

Heart catheterization, or cardiac catheterization, is a procedure that assesses the health of your heart. The cardiologists at Levine Heart & Wellness also perform the procedure to diagnose and treat various heart conditions such as coronary heart disease. 

During a heart catheterization, your cardiologist inserts a catheter into an artery or vein in your leg, groin, or neck and advances the catheter until it reaches the blood vessels in your heart. 

Once the catheter reaches your heart, your provider may perform various tests or procedures, such as:

• Coronary angiogram (X-ray of your heart using contrast dye)
• Heart biopsy
• Locate narrowing or blockages
• Measure pressure in the chambers of your heart
• Repair heart defects
• Heart ablation

The cardiologists at Levine Heart & Wellness may also perform angioplasty and stenting during a heart catheterization. 

What is angioplasty and stenting?

Angioplasty and stenting is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that opens or widens your blocked artery and secures the blood vessel with a metal mesh (stent).  

Angioplasty uses special techniques to help compress or break up plaque deposits along artery walls to restore blood flow. Your cardiologist at Levine Heart & Wellness may perform your angioplasty with or without stenting.

Depending on the severity of the blockage, angioplasty may help patients avoid the need for a more invasive procedure like bypass surgery.

What happens during heart catheterization, angioplasty, and stenting?

Your cardiologist at Levine Heart & Wellness performs your heart catheterization, angioplasty, and stenting in a room equipped with advanced imaging tools. In most cases, your provider keeps you awake but sedated during the procedure. 

Once sedated, your cardiologist gently inserts a special flexible catheter into an artery or vein, then carefully advances it to the area of blockage. Your provider uses imaging techniques to monitor the catheter’s advancement to ensure it successfully reaches the target area. 

When the catheter reaches the blocked area, your cardiologist deploys a tiny balloon from the tip of the catheter and inflates it. The pressure of the balloon compresses the plaque against the sides of the arteries, widening the narrowed area to accommodate blood flow. 

After compressing the plaque, your provider deflates the balloon and deploys the stent through the catheter, which expands and supports your blood vessel walls. 

Will I be able to go home after my procedure?

A heart catheterization with angioplasty and stenting requires a one-night hospital stay to ensure the incision site heals properly. Once home, your cardiologist recommends you refrain from driving and other activities for a few days while you heal.

To learn more about heart catheterization, angioplasty, and stenting, call Levine Heart & Wellness or schedule an appointment online today.