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Interventional (catheter-based) cardiology

Interventional cardiology refers to catheter-based treatments that repair or correct structural heart diseases, like coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and others.

Common treatments include angioplasty and stent insertion. Interventional treatments are considered to be minimally invasive because they require only small incisions and use catheters rather than open-heart procedures.

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Angioplasty—also called percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)—is the method used to open a blood vessel to improve blood flow by stretching a vessel from the inside and sometimes placing a stent to help keep it open.

Catheterization laboratory at Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute®

Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute's Catheterization Laboratory (cath lab) is located on the 5th floor of Abbott Northwestern Hospital. In the cath lab, the heart specialist inserts catheters (long, thin, tubes) into structures of the heart while watching on a screen that shows the inside of the heart.

For many patients who experience a cardiovascular emergency, the cath lab is where they will receive the life-saving care they need. Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute® has partnered with more than 30 community hospitals throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin to ensure patients are cared for and transported as efficiently as possible so that no matter where they are when a cardiovascular emergency occurs.

Interventional (catheter-based) cardiology treatments

Angioplasty

An angioplasty is the method used to open a blood vessel to improve blood flow by stretching a vessel from the inside and sometimes placing a stent to help keep it open.

Atherectomy

Hardening of the arteries, also called atherosclerosis, is a common disorder. It occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard structures called plaques. An atherectomy removes plaque from the artery of the heart.

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP)

During an enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) air pressure cuffs are placed on your calves, thighs and buttocks. The pumping (inflation and deflation) is timed with your heartbeat to increase blood flow to your heart and ease your heart's workload.

Intra-aortic balloon insertion

An intra-aortic balloon insertion lets more blood into your heart and allows more blood to be pumped out to the rest of your body.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) or atrial septal defect (ASD) closure

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) or atrial septal defect (ASD) closure closes a defect or hole between the upper chamber (atria) of the heart with an implant.

Stent insertion

A stent insertion helps more blood flow through your arteries.

Valvuloplasty

A valvuloplasty uses a catheter to open a valve that is narrowed.

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