A heart to heart about the benefits of interventional cardiology

Interventional cardiology is a subspeciality of cardiology that investigates the condition of the heart using an invasive tool, called the catheter. It is also used to examine the vascular system. Using this method, doctors can treat conditions including but not limited to coronary artery disease, aneurysm, angina and acquired structural heart disease. Dr Sujay Chandran, an expert cardiologist, shares the advantages of interventional cardiology treatments.

How did interventional cardiology start?

The school of interventional cardiology was started in 1711, with the first cardiac catheterisation on a horse by Stephen Hales. Interventional cardiologists have to spend many years training and refining their skills to be able to perform this speciality, so patients may rest assured that they are in capable, precise hands. The technology and techniques for interventional cardiology are constantly innovated, and the complication rate is one per cent.

What are the benefits of interventional cardiology and how does it work?

Though invasive may sound severe, the catheter is a thin, long needle and tube that is inserted after the area has been treated with a local anaesthetic, which should not cause much sensation for the patient. The procedures tend to be outpatient — but depending on the condition of the patient, an overnight may be necessary. However, this method may not be suitable for every case and patients’ medical histories and current conditions will be considered before proceeding.

Interventional cardiology tends to be preferable for patients as the application of a catheter negates the need for open heart surgery, which is a major procedure that requires surgeons to saw through the sternum and spread apart the ribs in order to get access to the heart. The catheter is inserted via the radial artery of the wrist or the femoral artery in the groin and then fed through to the heart or location of the issues. X-rays and echocardiographic ultrasounds help to guide the doctors.

What happens before a procedure?

To prepare before the procedure, the doctors will do blood tests, and the patient may be asked to take blood thinners for a few days before to facilitate the process. In general, it is recommended that the patient not eat or drink up to two hours before the procedure.

What happens after a procedure?

Aftercare for interventional cardiology is simple, as the only access point should be just small needle wounds in the wrists or groin. The point is then bandaged for compression for the bleeding and should be worn for a couple of hours.

If you have cardiovascular concerns and want to know more about interventional cardiology treatment, Dr Sujay Chandran is available for consultation via his Top Doctors profile.