Expert Interventional Procedures at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican Hospitals
Many heart treatments today may be performed through cardiac catheterization. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a large vein or artery in your arm or leg. Your doctor advances the catheter to the treatment site (commonly the coronary arteries, carotid arteries, or the heart itself) and uses small instruments to treat the problem. These procedures are performed by specially trained doctors called interventional cardiologists.
If you are in need of a cardiac procedure, it's important that you understand your specific procedure and what your recovery may look like. Learn more about the services and doctors provided by the cardiac specialists at St. Rose Dominican's San Martin or Siena Campuses, or find a cardiologist at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals for interventional procedures in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.
Why are Interventional Procedures Necessary?
If you have a heart condition that requires surgical treatment, you may be a candidate for an interventional procedure instead of open heart surgery. The most common interventional cardiovascular procedures include:
- Radiofrequency ablation: Painless radio waves, similar to microwave energy, that destroy cell clusters causing an abnormal heart rhythm.
- Stunting: A medical device is placed inside an artery to hold it open and promote blood flow, or to support an aneurysm.
- Angioplasty: A balloon instrument is used to open a narrowed or blocked artery.
- Atherectomy: A tiny blade is used to shave plaque from the inside of an artery.
- Biopsy: A small piece of heart tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.
- Intravascular ultrasound: Harmless sound waves create detailed images of the blood vessels and blood flow.
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): An artificial valve is placed inside a defective heart valve.
- Valvuloplasty: A balloon instrument opens a stiffened, narrowed heart valve.
- Angiography: Injecting dye into an artery helps the doctor assess narrowing or blockage from cardiovascular disease.
Your Interventional Procedure in Las Vegas, NV
Instead of general anesthesia, most interventional procedures only require a sedative to keep you comfortable. Local anesthetic numbs the catheter insertion site.
It is normal to feel slight stinging or burning in your chest during certain treatments. After the procedure, you will need to remain in a recovery area for a few hours before someone drives you home. You may need to stay overnight in the hospital.
Interventional Procedure Recovery
The main benefit of interventional procedures involving the heart is that they are minimally invasive. This means you will recover more quickly and with less pain than more invasive procedures.
You’ll need to take it easy for a few days after the procedure. Your care team will give you specific instructions on activity restrictions, incision care, and follow-up appointments. Your doctor may recommend cardiac rehabilitation to help you recover fully.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican's San Martin and Siena hospitals provide quality interventional procedures in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV, as a part of our cardiac services.
