Invasive Cardiology

Cardiac Catheterization and Coronary Angiography

Vessels feeding the heart’s own muscle tissues are called “coronary arteries”. In the case of presence of complaints suggesting narrowness of coronary arteries (stenosis) despite protective measures, or detection of an impairment in preliminary tests (exercise test, stress echocardiography, thallium test etc.), location and level of this narrowness is detected by cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography. In the case that a critical narrowness is detected, balloon angioplasty-stent or by-pass surgery may be used as treatment options. These are performed safely through the groin (femoral artery) or wrist arteries (radial artery) in our hospital. Moreover, artery in the groin area can be closed by a comparably safer and painless new method (ExoSeal) to reduce bleeding complications following the tests and assessments performed through the groin artery, and thereby reducing recovery time.

Balloon Angioplasty-Stent Implantation

It is the procedure of opening narrowness (stenosis) in coronary arteries in catheter laboratory with the aid of a stent and/or balloon inserted inside the arteries. In absence of complications, patients may be discharged after one night’s follow-up and may return to their normal activities in a short time.

Urgent Coronary Balloon and Stent Intervention Following A Heart Attack (Acute myocardial infarction)

Patent Foramen Ovale Closure By Catheter Method:

It is a valve-like hole in the wall between the right and left atria of the heart, associated with insufficient closure of the membrane which is supposed to close naturally after birth. In presence of PFO, valve may open due to such conditions as coughing, sneezing and straining which cause increased pressure within the chest and blood may flow mutually in the direction of both atria. When blood flows from the right atrium to the left without passing through the filtering system of the lungs, small particles and clots in the blood may flow to the brain and other organs along therewith and may give rise to stroke or infarction in the organs. In the cases where they lead to strokes or anticoagulant treatment (blood thinning) is not possible; such holes can be closed by our specialized physicians, using a method resembling angiography.

Temporary Cardiac Pacemaker

Temporary heart blocks or significant slow-down in the heart rate may develop in some cases. Such conditions may sometimes resolve spontaneously. Temporary cardiac pacemakers may be inserted through a vein in the groin or neck, as in angiography, to maintain patient’s heart rhythm and life until resolution of the condition.