Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which involves a widening, stretching or ballooning of the aorta in the heart. The exact cause is unknown, but risks include hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is a method of taking regular blood pressure readings, usually over a 24-hour period, as patients conduct their normal activities. A special, automatic blood pressure monitor is used, and patients are asked to keep a diary or log of their activities during the day.

Aneurysm Coiling

Aneurysm coiling is a less invasive alternative to surgical clipping. It is similar to the cerebral angiogram but instead of simply taking pictures as the contrast medium (dye) is injected into the artery, the aneurysm is treated from the catheter inside the blood vessel by the insertion of coils into the aneurysm’s sac. The coils are packed into the aneurysm. They promote blood clotting within the aneurysm. Both coils and clotting fill the aneurysm closing it off and preventing blood from entering.

Aneurysm Evaluation

Treatment of aneurysm, a balloon-like sac in the wall of an artery, vein, or heart caused by a weakening of the wall by injury, disease, or abnormality present at birth.

Angiogram (Heart Catheterization)

Also called an "arteriogram" or "heart catheterization," an angiogram is an x-ray of the arteries and veins to detect blockage or narrowing of the vessels.

Angioplasty (PCTA)

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is performed to open blocked coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease (CAD) and to restore arterial blood flow to the heart tissue without open-heart surgery. A special catheter (long hollow tube) is inserted into the coronary artery to be treated. This catheter has a tiny balloon at its tip. The balloon is inflated once the catheter has been placed into the narrowed area of the coronary artery. The inflation of the balloon compresses the fatty tissue in the artery and makes a larger opening inside the artery for improved blood flow.

Ankle Brachial Index

This test is done by measuring blood pressure at the ankle and in the arm while a person is at rest. Measurements are usually repeated at both sites after five minutes of walking on a treadmill. The ankle brachial index (ABI) result is used to predict the severity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Anticoagulation and Coumadin Management

Coumadin is an anticoagulation (blood thinning) medicine. It is used to prevent the formation of blood clots or to treat blood clots.

Arrhythmia Event Monitoring

Uses various monitoring devices to evaluate and monitor abnormal heart rhythms.

Arteriovenous Malformations Treatment

Treatment of arteriovenous malformation (AVM). In the majority of cases, AVM is a congenital disorder consisting of a connection between veins and arteries, this pathology is universally known because of its occurrence in the central nervous system, but can appear in any location.

Atrial Septal Defect Repair

The wall that separates the right and left sides of the heart is known as the septum. When a hole, or septal defect, forms in the wall of the upper chambers of the heart, it is known as an atrial septal defect. This defect causes a disruption in the normal flow of blood through the heart and can cause major complications later in life. Most people with this condition have few, if any, symptoms.

Using advanced surgical technology, physicians can perform this repair procedure using less invasive techniques versus using traditional methods. Most heart operations are performed with an incision made through the sternum or breastbone. However, surgeons are able to treat some patients by using small incisions on the side of the chest to reach the heart between the patient's ribs.

Biventricular Pacing

Biventricular pacing works like a pacemaker. It synchronizes several actions of the heart to coordinate contractions of the left and right ventricles, reduce the amount of blood flow that leaks through the mitral valve, and decrease the motion of the septal wall that separates the chambers of the heart.

Cardiac and Vascular Clinical Research Trials

We participate in numerous cardiac and vascular research trials. The list is constantly rotating because national trials open and close due to a number of reasons such as having enrolled enough participants.

Cardiac and Vascular Support Programs

We offer educational and support programs for patients overcoming the emotional and physical effects of cardiovascular disease and stroke, their friends and families. This often begins with gaining a better understanding of the conditions and sharing your experience with others through support groups.

Cardiac MRI

Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses special magnets and a computer to create images of the heart as it is beating, producing both still and moving pictures of the heart and major blood vessels. Doctors use cardiac MRI to get images of the beating heart and to look at the structure and function of the heart. These images can help them decide how best to treat patients with heart problems.

Cardiac Scoring (Coronary CT)

Cardiac scoring is a simple test that determines your risk for developing coronary artery disease long before any signs or symptoms are visible. Using a high-speed CT scanner, physicians can detect calcium deposits in the coronary artery and then assess your chances of developing heart disease.

The high-tech scanning equipment makes the test quick, easy and completely noninvasive. The entire exam takes about 10 minutes.

Cardiolyte Stress Testing

A cardiolyte stress test helps your doctor determine if areas of the heart are not receiving enough blood. The test is done in two parts, allowing the doctor to compare how much blood flows throughout the heart muscle during stress (exercise performed on the treadmill) and at rest.

Cardiovascular Research

Clinical research in the field of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.

Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion is the implantation of an electronic device (just below the collarbone) used to help regulate electrical problems with the heart. An ICD monitors the heart's electrical activity and responds with either anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) or shock therapy to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. An ICD can also record and store information about your heart rhythm and therapies delivered by the ICD for your physician to review.

Carotid Artery Disease Treatment

Treatment of carotid artery disease, which occurs when the major arteries in your neck become narrowed or blocked. These arteries, called the carotid arteries, supply your brain with blood. Your carotid arteries extend from your aorta in your chest to the brain inside your skull.

Carotid Doppler

The Carotid Doppler exam uses sound frequency in a range that is higher than human beings are able to hear to produce images of the carotid arteries in the neck on a viewing screen. The blood flow through these arteries is evaluated with Doppler.

Carotid Stent Placement

Carotid artery stenting is a procedure in which a vascular surgeon inserts a slender, metal-mesh tube, called a stent, which expands inside your carotid artery to increase blood flow in areas blocked by plaque.

Coronary Artery Screening Exam

Blood pressure measurements determine if you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Blood tests are often done to measure cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is also a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease. If coronary artery disease is suspected, you may have tests to determine the diagnosis. The most common initial tests are electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), chest X-ray, routine blood tests, and exercise electrocardiogram, also called a "stress test."

Coronary Artery Stent Placement

A therapeutic procedure similar to PTCA; however, instead of a balloon being solely used to compress the plaque into the artery wall, a thin metal expandable cylinder is inserted with the balloon. The balloon is inflated, causing the stent to expand so that the struts embed themselves in the artery wall, thereby allowing the vessels to remain open and provide optimal blood flow to the rest of the heart. This procedure often results in better long-term results than PTCA alone.

Coronary CT Angiography

Coronary CT Angiography uses a 64-slice CT scanner to produce detailed pictures of the heart in a few seconds and provide sharp, clear, three-dimensional images.

The 64-slice scanner allows doctors to evaluate the most common causes of acute chest pain with a single scan. It may also permit some patients to avoid surgical procedures, such as cardiac catheterization.

Directional Coronary Atherectomy

Directional Coronary Atherectomy is a non-surgical technique that is used to widen and open the narrowing in the coronary artery.

Usually, the decision to proceed with DCA is made directly after a coronary angiogram while a patient is the catheterization lab. DCA can be preferable to other procedures, such as balloon angioplasty. Some of the factors that determine angioplasty versus atherectomy are the location and shape of the blockage, the size of the artery, and whether clots are present in the artery.

Echocardiogram (Echo)

An echocardiogram (also known as an Echo) is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on the chest at certain locations and angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move through the skin and other body tissues to the heart tissues, where the waves echo off of the heart structures. The transducer picks up the reflected waves and sends them to a computer. The computer interprets the echoes into an image of the heart walls and valves.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted and printed out for the physician's information and further interpretation.

Electroencephalogram (EEG Testing)

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures and records the electrical activity of your brain by using sensors (electrodes) attached to your head.

Electrophysiology Studies (EP Studies)

An electrophysiology study (EP study) is a cardiac catheterization to study electrical currents in patients who have arrhythmias.

Embolization

Embolization is the insertion of a substance through a catheter into a blood vessel to stop hemorrhaging or excessive bleeding.

Endoscopic Vein Harvesting

Endoscopic vein harvesting is an advanced endoscopic technique, which involves just one or two small incisions and allows for easier recovery, less scarring and a smaller risk of infection.

Endovascular Stenting

Endovascular stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that uses advanced technology and instrumentation to treat such disorders of the circulatory system as blockage or damage to blood vessels caused by the build up of plaque (fatty deposits, calcium deposits, and scar tissue) in the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The doctor may recommend the placement of an endovascular stent, a small wire-mesh tube that surgeons call a scaffold, in an affected artery. The procedure may be done in conjunction with cleaning or repairing the artery.

Enhanced External Counterpulsation

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive procedure that can reduce the symptoms of angina pectoris by increasing coronary blood flow in ischemic areas of the heart.

Heart Attack Care

Care for those suffering from a heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, which occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart is interrupted.

Heart Bypass Surgery

Heart bypass surgery, or coronary artery bypass grafting, is a routine procedure that uses veins or arteries from other parts of the body to provide new paths for blood to reach the heart. The most common vessels used in bypass surgery come from the inside of the leg (saphenous vein) or the internal mammary artery from the underside of the breastbone. This vein is used to bypass the blockage in the coronary artery, thus restoring the blood flow to the heart.

Heart Catheterization

A doctor inserts a thin plastic tube (catheter) into an artery or vein in the arm or leg. From there it can be advanced into the chambers of the heart or into the coronary arteries.

Heart Failure Treatment

Heart failure is a serious form of heart disease, but it can be monitored and treated in an attempt to improve heart function and reduce symptoms. The proper treatment for heart failure depends on what area of your heart is affected, and can include medicine and/or surgery.

Holter Monitoring

The Holter monitor is a portable device for continuously monitoring the electrical activity of the heart for 24 hours or more. Its extended recording period is sometimes useful for observing occasional cardiac arrhythmias that would be difficult to identify in a shorter period of time.

Implantable Defibrillator Checks

Implantable defibrillators help patients who suffer from irregular heart rhythms. They are small monitors placed under the skin to continuously monitor the heart's rhythm. When the device detects ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, it shocks the heart to restore the normal rhythm.

Inotropic Infusion Therapy

Patients who experience severe symptoms of heart failure and repeated hospitalizations for exacerbations may benefit from positive inotropic drug infusion therapy such as dobutamine or milrinone.

Interventional Radiology and Vascular Studies

We participate in a variety of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Studies.

Intracoronary Stent Placement

After a blocked artery is opened using a tiny balloon (angioplasty), a small wire-mesh tube is placed in the artery to keep it open.

Intravascular Ultrasound

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), or intravascular echocardiography, is a combination of echocardiography (ultrasound) and a procedure called cardiac catheterization. IVUS uses sound waves to produce an image of the coronary arteries and to see their condition. The sound waves travel through a tube called a catheter. The catheter is threaded through an artery and into your heart. This test lets doctors look inside your blood vessels.

Laser-Based Therapies

Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

Most heart operations are performed by making an incision through the sternum or breastbone. However, surgeons are able to treat some patients by using small incisions on the side of the chest to reach the heart between the patient's ribs.

A special device called a Heartport is used during the operation. It is mainly used for patients with atrial septal defects (ASD), but it may also be used for some patients who require a valve surgery revision. Minimally invasive heart surgeries are also applied to bypass surgery without the use of the heart-lung machine and without stopping the heart. This may prove to be less traumatic for some patients.

Mitral Valve Prolapse Repair

The mitral valve is the "inflow valve" for the left side of the heart. Occasionally, the mitral valve is abnormal from birth. More often, the mitral valve becomes abnormal with age. It may also occur as a result of coronary artery disease.

Using advanced surgical technology, physicians can perform this procedure less invasively than traditional methods. Surgeons are able to treat some patients by using small incisions on the side of the chest to reach the heart in between the patient's ribs.

Multi-Slice CT

Multislice CT scans, or MSCT scans, often allow remarkably accurate imaging of the coronary arteries, and often, blockages in the coronary arteries can be seen quite clearly. The quality of the image with MSCT scans is partially related to the number of "slices" taken by the camera. Currently, 16-slice and 64-slice CT imagers are commercially available.

Nuclear Stress Test

Tests on the heart which use small amounts of radioactive (nuclear) tracers and radiological imaging machines to evaluate the supply of blood to your heart muscle. During a nuclear stress test, a radioactive substance is injected into your bloodstream. This substance mixes with your blood and travels to your heart. A special scanner, which detects the radioactive material in your heart, creates images of your heart muscle.

Nutrition Counseling

Developing a heart-healthy eating plan can help you reduce your cholesterol and maintain a healthy body weight, both of which are important in the prevention of heart disease. Nutrition counseling provides individual consultations with a nutritionist designed to create a healthy eating plan that is right for you. The nutritionist will review your blood lipid profile, discuss your current eating patterns and provide you with educational materials on foods that will lower your cardiovascular disease risk.

Off-Pump Heart Surgery

Off-pump heart surgery is done without the use of the heart-lung machine and without stopping the heart. This may reduce neurological complications and improve recovery.

Pacemaker Assessment and Reprogramming

Pacemakers are tiny devices that keep the heart beating properly. They must be periodically assessed and reprogrammed to ensure proper function.

Pacemaker Implantation

A pacemaker insertion is the implantation of a small electronic device in the chest (just below the collarbone) to help regulate electrical problems with the heart. When a problem develops, such as a slow heart rate, a pacemaker may be recommended to ensure that the heartbeat does not slow to a dangerously low rate.

Pacing

How a device is programmed to pace one's heart.

Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment

Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) focuses on reducing symptoms and preventing further progression of the disease. In most cases, lifestyle changes, exercise and claudication medications are enough to slow the progression or even reverse the symptoms of PAD.

Peripheral Stent Placement

Peripheral stenting is one common treatment option for treating Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). A small incision is made in the patient's groin or arm, and a catheter is inserted. A stent is then inserted through the catheter. The doctor navigates the stent to the site of vessel narrowing. The stent is then expanded, and blood flows more easily through the blood vessel.

Peripheral Studies

Pulse Oximetry

Electrodes used to monitor your pulse are attached to a part of your body like a finger, earlobe, or skin fold.

Pulse Volume Recording (PVR)

Pulse volume recording (PVR) is part of a simple, painless, noninvasive test that measures blood flow within blood vessels (arteries) in the legs or arms. The measurements obtained from PVRs are used in combination with other tests to help locate blockages in the arteries.

Radio Frequency Ablation

Sometimes, individuals suffer from rapid, uncoordinated heartbeats. Radio frequency ablation is recognized as one of the most effective treatments for eliminating fast heartbeats. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through the groin and guided all the way to the heart. When the catheter reaches the area to be treated, radio frequency energy is delivered to the treatment site. The energy destroys the heart tissue that was causing the rapid impulses of the heart.

Rapid Chest Response in Emergency Department

Knowing and recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack and getting to the Emergency Department immediately will improve your chances of survival and recovery. At the Chest Pain Emergency Department, patients are triaged quickly and then evaluated by a board-certified cardiologist. This rapid treatment response has proven to increase survival rates for heart attack patients.

Rotational Atherectomy

Rotoblator

A therapeutic procedure in which a long hollow tube (catheter) is inserted into the femoral artery in the patient's groin, and threaded through the blood vessels into the heart. A small diamond-tipped burr is then advanced on the catheter to the site of the blockage in the coronary artery. As the burr spins through the artery, the plaque is pulverized. This procedure is particularly useful for hardened, calcified blockages.

Stenting

Stenting places a tiny, expandable coil (stent) inside a blood vessel at the site of a blockage. The stent is expanded to open up the blockage.

Telemetry Monitoring

A telemetry system uses a series of receivers and transmitters located throughout the hospital. It allows for information from a transmitter packet the patient wears either in a pocket or in a plastic packet holder around the neck to be sent back to receivers at a central monitoring station. It accurately monitors the heart’s rhythm and transmits it back to the central station where the results can be read.

Tilt Table Testing

A tilt table procedure is a diagnostic procedure that may be used to evaluate a person who has symptoms of syncope (fainting). When a person has a complaint of syncope, the physician will carefully evaluate the person's past medical history and perform a physical examination. If basic components of the examination or history do not reveal a potential cause for the syncope, and the person has no history of heart disease, then further diagnostic procedures will be scheduled.

Transesophageal Echo (TEE)

An echocardiogram where the echo transducer is placed in the esophagus, or food pipe that connects the mouth to the stomach. Since the esophagus sits behind the heart, the echo beam does not have to travel through the front of the chest and therefore offers a much clearer image of the heart, particularly, the back structures, such as the left atrium, which may not be seen as well by a standard echo taken from the front of the heart.

Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR) Laser

The Transmyocardial Revascularization (TMR) laser is a new surgical tool that is used alone or in addition to bypass surgery in order to alleviate chest pain. The technique uses a laser to create tiny channels in the heart muscle that revascularize, or increase blood flow, to the damaged area of the heart.

Typically, when blood supply is restricted in an area of the heart, a heart attack or other serious consequences may result. The channels created by TMR laser provide a new route for blood to reach the affected area of the heart muscle.

Treatment of Aortic Dissection

Valve Replacement and Repair

Valve replacement is appropriate for valves that have become too tight with calcium deposits or no longer close properly. These problems may be the result of an infection or a valve that was abnormal at birth and has degenerated over time. There are two general types of replacement valves available: Mechanical valves (allow blood to travel in one direction and prevent it from going backwards) and bioprosthetic valves (made from animal tissue). Sometimes valves can be repaired instead of replaced, but only a surgeon can make that determination.

Venography

A venogram is an X-ray test that takes pictures of blood flow through the veins in a certain area of the body. A venogram can show the veins in your legs, pelvis, or arm; the veins leading to the heart; or the veins leaving your kidneys. Venography may be done to find a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT).

Venous Doppler Ultrasound

A venous Doppler ultrasound is a diagnostic test used to check circulation. This exam shows any blockage in the veins by a blood clot or “thrombus” formation.

Visceral Vascular Studies