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What is invasive cardiology?


Invasive cardiology (also known as interventional cardiology) is a minimally invasive procedure to identify abnormalities of the human heart. Invasive cardiology processes are generally minor surgeries that require penetrating the patient's skin for treatment. It uses open or slightly invasive surgery to identify or treat structural or electrical abnormalities within the structure of the heart.

Invasive cardiologists do a variety of slightly invasive procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. what includes:

Common types of invasive cardiology:

Angioplasty: When plaque clogs arteries, it is difficult for blood to flow normally. Angioplasty inserts a small balloon into the blocked vein and pushes the plate against the walls, allowing more blood flow.

Stent placement: The placement of a stent is usually performed in conjunction with an angioplasty. A cardiac stent is a small metal coil that permanently holds a blocked vein open.

Cardiac catheterization: In a cardiac catheterization procedure, a cardiologist guides a catheter (a catheter is a thin, medical-grade tube used for a wide range of functions in the medical field) into the heart to complete diagnostic tests and perform diagnostic procedures. treatment as follows.

  • Balloon angioplasty: The cardiologist guides a catheter with a small balloon at the tip to the affected artery. The plaque is pushed against the artery wall by inflating the balloon against it, which helps to restore blood flow in the artery.

  • Catheter ablation: Here, a catheter to deliver radio frequency energy (it is comparable to microwave energy) to eradicate a small part of the heart tissue that is causing a fast and irregular heartbeat. Ending this tissue helps heal your heart's steady rhythm. This procedure solves the problem that originates in the pulmonary veins.

  • Coronary stents: A catheter is used to inject a small, mesh-shaped metal tube into the area of the constricted coronary artery. Medications can also be delivered to the heart through stents which can reduce the risk of blocked artery.

Electrophysiology studies

Using an electrode-tipped catheter, a cardiologist measures the heart's electrical impulses, identifies the precise location of the injured heart muscle, and delivers small electrical impulses to affect heart rhythm problems to learn more about them.

Electrical cardioversion procedure

Using a low-voltage electrical current that is delivered to the chest via patches or paddles, a cardiologist can restore the heart rate to an average rate. The procedure is used in conjunction with a short-acting anesthetic.

Integrated devices

Modern cardiologists use several small battery-powered devices that can be implanted close to the heart to treat complex heart rhythm disorders. Some of the tools that are used are:

  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD): ICDs constantly monitor the heart rhythm and deliver an electrical current to regulate it when abnormalities are detected. The device calibrates the current to react differently when slowing down is required or when defibrillation is required to restore the heart rhythm to a stable rhythm.

  • Implantable pacemakers: These pacemakers help keep the heart from dropping below the recommended pulse. Pacemakers also include heart rate sensors that can track and stabilize the pulse as needed.

Additionally, the invasive approach is performed to treat

  • Coronary artery bypass surgery

  • Coronary angiography

  • Electrophysiology studies

  • Arrhythmia ablation

  • Valve replacement surgery right heart catheterization permanent pacemaker insertion

  • Implantable automatic (Acid), Cardiac defibrillators and More

What does an invasive cardiologist do?

Invasive cardiologists are a subspecialty of cardiology alike to interventional cardiologists. Invasive cardiologists are qualified to diagnose and treat conditions such as coronary artery disease, vascular disease, acquired structural heart disease, congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, and congenital heart disease.

To understand your overall heart health and any problems, the invasive cardiologist will appraisal your medical records, medical history, and symptoms. Tests such as X-rays, blood tests, or electrocardiogram (ECG) may be done if these tests have not already been done before your visit. These types of tests help determine the problem.

Additionally, an invasive cardiologist is capable to perform minimally invasive tests to further identify or treat structural or electrical abnormalities in the structure of the heart or arteries that other cardiologists may not be talented to perform. Performing these minimally invasive tests helps the invasive cardiologist to properly diagnose and treat his patients. Invasive cardiologists must be prepared to respond to emergencies immediately, as their services may be needed quickly to prevent a patient from having a heart attack.

Education and training

Invasive cardiologists are physicians who have been specifically trained in the tools and techniques to diagnose or treat cardiovascular disease or defects. Like most doctors, these doctors usually go through medical school first. After completing medical school, they will spend an additional seven to eight years of training to specialize in invasive cardiology. They will also need to complete a certification in internal medicine if they ultimately want to become board certified as a cardiologist.

This process involves completing:

  • An average of four years in medical school.

  • A three-year residency in internal medicine or pediatrics if you wish to specialize in working with children.

  • A three-year communion in cardiology where they work with physicians and gain additional unconventional training in cardiology, prevention, diagnosis, and patient care.

  • A one to two year invasive (interventional) cardiology fellowship for additional specialized training

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