Cardiac Intervention

These are the following procedures used to treat blocked or partially blocked coronary arteries:

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)
This procedure involves advancing a catheter into the heartís arteries just as done with a cath. This catheter has a balloon on the end, which is inflated at the blockage inside of the artery to push the plaque against the artery wall and allow the blood to flow normally. This procedure is done in the hospital and the patient can go home the same day or may stay overnight.
Stent Implantation
A stent is a small stainless steel tube that is permanently placed inside an artery to keep it open. Stents are placed inside the coronary arteries in the heart using the same method as cardiac catheterization. Usually a PTCA is performed and then the stent is inserted.
Atherectomy
This is a shaving device mounted onto a balloon catheter. The plaque inside the artery is shaved off, and removed through the catheter. This is also performed by the same method as cardiac catheterization.
Rotational Atherectomy (Rotoblator)
This device is a high speed rotating burr which is designed to disintegrate the plaque inside the arteries. And this procedure is also done by the same method as cardiac catheterization.

Carotid and Peripheral Intervention

The following procedures are used to treat blocked or partial blocked arteries in the neck and legs:

Carotid Angioplasty and/or Stent Implantation
This procedure can sometimes be performed instead of surgery (carotid endarterectomy). Angioplasty (PTA) is performed through a catheter introduced into the leg. A balloon catheter is inflated to open a blockage. A stent is a small stainless steel tube that can be placed inside the artery to keep it open.
Peripheral Angioplasty and/or Stent Implantation
This procedure is performed on blockages in the arteries and the legs. This will improve pain in the legs when walking, and help to prevent disease leading to gangrene of the lower extremities. A balloon catheter is inflated to open a blockage. A stent is a small stainless steel tube that can be placed inside the artery to keep it open.