Invasive cardiology is a medical specialty that involves the use of invasive techniques to diagnose and treat heart-related conditions. It is also known as interventional cardiology.
Invasive cardiology procedures typically involve the use of a catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the body through a small incision. The catheter is guided to the heart and blood vessels, allowing the cardiologist to diagnose and treat blockages and other abnormalities.
Some common invasive cardiology procedures include angioplasty, stenting, and heart catheterization. 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.
Invasive cardiology 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.
Invasive 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.
