Interventional Cardiology

National Park Medical Center's experienced heart catheterization team performs procedures using balloons, stents and other devices to open blocked or repair damaged blood vessels of the heart or body. This often avoids the need for heart surgery.

Heart conditions can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke or loss of limbs.

Common treatable conditions include:

• • • Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the coronary arteries)
    • Heart valve disease
    • Peripheral vascular disease

Procedures and treatments offered:

• • • Diagnostic imaging and pressure measurements
    • Balloon angioplasty
    • Clot extraction
    • Fractional flow reserve measurements
    • Intra-arterial ultrasound
    • Temporary pacemaker insertion
    • Rotational atherectomy
    • Stent insertion
    • Intra-aortic balloon pump/circulatory assist device insertion

Quality Heart Care, Close to Home

Our Heart and Vascular Center features 3 Cardiac Cath Labs. Each Cath Lab procedure includes a full team of specialists to ensure the highest quality of care. This includes an interventional cardiologist, 2 radiology technologists specialized in cardiovascular care and a registered nurse specialized in critical/cardiovascular care.

One of the most common procedures performed in the cath lab is coronary angiography, which is similar to an x-ray and shows an external map of the arteries while contrast material is injected to examine the flow of blood and check for abnormalities such as build up due to plaque. Our physicians utilize the radial (wrist) artery entry whenever clinically appropriate, which allows for more patient comfort among other advantages.

The NPMC Cath Lab also features Intravascular Ultrasound technology, or IVUS, which allows physicians to see vessels from the inside allowing more precise images and measurements to determine if and where a stent should be placed.

IFR (instantaneous wave-free ratio) is another advanced technology available in NPMC’s cath lab. It is a guide wire-based tool that can accurately measure blood flow and help to assess the severity of a lesion in a vessel.

Pre & Post Cath Procedure Area

The Heart and Vascular Center features a 12-Bed Pre and Post Cath Procedure area for the preparation and recovery of cardiac catheterization patients.

This unit features 12 private patient bays with doors for privacy and comfort. The Pre & Post Cath procedure area is staffed by a registered nurse with special training in post cath recovery.