Interventional Cardiology

You may need interventional cardiology if tests show blocked or narrowed coronary arteries or if you are experiencing symptoms of heart disease.

Common signs include:

Your cardiologist may recommend cardiac catheterization to evaluate blood flow and determine whether procedures such as angioplasty or stent placement are appropriate.

If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

An interventional cardiologist is a cardiologist who has completed additional specialized training to perform minimally invasive procedures that diagnose and treat heart conditions from inside the blood vessels. Using thin tubes called catheters, they can open blocked arteries, restore blood flow, and treat certain structural heart problems without traditional open-heart surgery.

Common procedures performed by interventional cardiologists include:

At Bassett, interventional cardiologists work closely with the broader cardiology team to determine when medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery is the best treatment option for each patient.

During cardiac catheterization, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery and guided to the heart to evaluate blood flow and identify blockages.

Contrast dye and imaging technology allow your physician to see the coronary arteries in detail. If a blockage is found, angioplasty and stent placement may be performed during the same procedure. The process typically takes 30–60 minutes and is performed under light sedation.

No, cardiac catheterization is not open-heart surgery. It’s a minimally invasive procedure.

A thin catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin and guided to the heart. Using imaging technology, your doctor can evaluate blood flow and identify blockages. Most procedures are performed under light sedation, and many patients go home the same day.

Angioplasty is a procedure that uses a small balloon to open a blocked artery, while a stent is a tiny mesh tube placed inside the artery to keep it open.

During angioplasty, the balloon is inflated to widen the narrowed area. In most cases, a heart stent is then inserted to help prevent the artery from narrowing again. The two procedures are often performed together during cardiac catheterization.

Angioplasty is generally safe, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks.

Possible risks include bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site, blood vessel damage, re-narrowing of the artery, blood clots, or, rarely, heart attack or stroke. Serious complications are uncommon, and your care team will review your individual risk factors before the procedure.

A heart stent is typically recommended for patients with significantly narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.

You may need a stent if you are experiencing:

• Abnormal diagnostic test results
• An acute heart attack
• Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow

A stent helps restore blood flow, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of further heart damage.

Your cardiologist will determine whether a stent or another treatment option is best for your condition.

Most patients recover quickly after heart stent placement, often returning to normal activities within a few days.

Hospital stays are usually short — sometimes overnight or even same day discharge. Strenuous activity may be limited temporarily, and your doctor may recommend cardiac rehabilitation to support long-term recovery and heart health.

Yes, arteries can narrow again after treatment, but modern stents are designed to reduce this risk.

Some patients may develop restenosis (re-narrowing) over time. Taking prescribed medications (especially blood thinners) and following a heart-healthy lifestyle significantly lowers the risk. Ongoing care with your cardiologist helps monitor long-term heart health.