Medical/Interventional Treatment

Angioplasty, atherectomy and stent placement

Our interventional cardiologists have many years of experience performing angioplasty, atherectomy, and stent placement to treat coronary artery disease and relieve chest pain.

Adventist Heart Institute interventional cardiologists are leaders in the use of catheter-based techniques to open plaque-filled vessels in patients with coronary artery disease. Our specialists often perform complex procedures on high-risk patients with severe blockages. Physicians here can drastically reduce the risks created by blood clots or tissue dislodged during treatment by using filters to trap clots, devices that snare tissue debris, and powerful new anti-platelet medications. This high level of specialized expertise does make a difference. Research shows that experienced cardiologists who have performed many angioplasties get better results.

Unlike many hospitals, at the Adventist Heart Institute, a cardiologist is immediately available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to perform emergency catheterization procedures to alleviate severe chest pain and restore blood flow after a heart attack.

Balloon angioplasty

Adventist Heart Institute interventional cardiologists have been successfully performing angioplasties for many years. A balloon angioplasty, also called a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), involves the use of a thin tube (catheter) that is inserted into a blocked or narrowed artery. The catheter has a tiny balloon on its tip that is inflated to push plaque against the artery's walls to widen the path for blood flow.

Atherectomy

Atherectomy is a procedure in which plaque is removed from the inside of an artery. Different methods are used to perform atherectomies. One method, called rotational atherectomy, involves the use of a special burr or drill on the tip of a catheter that rotates to shave the plaque into tiny pieces. Another method is directional atherectomy, a technique in which a small cutting device is pushed against the plaque to cut it away from the artery.

Stents and drug-eluting stents

Stentsare small steel mesh tubes that can be placed inside an artery during an angioplasty procedure. Stents "prop" open arteries to keep blood flowing. More than 70 percent of angioplasties involve the placement of stents.

At the Adventist Heart Institute, interventional cardiologists can offer a special, drug-coated (drug eluting) stent. These breakthrough devices block scar tissue growth inside the stent. Less scar tissue means there's a reduced chance for restenosis, or renarrowing of the artery. Restenosis is a very common problem that often results in the need for repeat angioplasty treatments or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Transradial catheterization offers advantages

Offered at few hospitals, the transradial angiography uses a catheterization approach through an artery in the wrist instead of the traditional approach, which uses a catheter that is threaded through an artery in the groin. Patients benefit from lower complications, quicker recovery and most patients are up and walking immediately after the procedure.

Start living. Heart healthy.

Request More Information

Call (888) 529-9018 to speak with a Patient Service Advisor, or fill out the form and we’ll contact you soon.

By providing your details, you agree to receive communications such as annual appointment reminders, health education materials, event information, etc. from Adventist Health.

The Adventist Heart Institute values your privacy and handles your personal information with care. Your email address and information is secure, confidential and will not be sold to any third party sources.

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Request More Information
Call (866) 823-1842 to speak with a Patient Service Advisor, or fill out the form and we’ll contact you soon.

By providing your details, you agree to receive communications such as annual appointment reminders, health education materials, event information, etc. from Adventist Health.

The Adventist Heart & Vascular Institute values your privacy and handles your personal information with care. Your contact information is secure, confidential and will not be sold to any third party sources.

AHI Rebrand