Interventional cardiology is a medical specialty that uses minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat heart-related conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and peripheral artery disease.
Interventional cardiologists are specially trained to perform these procedures, which can include angioplasty, stenting, and heart catheterization. These procedures involve using a thin tube called a catheter to access the heart and blood vessels, allowing the cardiologist to diagnose and treat blockages and other abnormalities.
Angioplasty and stenting involve using a balloon to widen a narrowed or blocked artery, followed by the placement of a stent to help keep the artery open. Heart catheterization involves inserting a catheter into the heart to measure its function and diagnose any issues.
These procedures are typically less invasive than traditional surgery and can often be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing for faster recovery times and less risk of complications.
Interventional cardiology plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of heart-related conditions, and can help improve the quality of life and life expectancy of patients.
