Invasive Heart Procedures

Diagnostic catheterizations of the heart

A sheath is inserted into a site in the groin, arm or wrist. A catheter is then inserted into the sheath and advanced to the coronary arteries in the heart. Contrast or dye is inserted and the coronary arteries appear on x-rays called angiograms.

Coronary angioplasty and stent placement

Angioplasty uses a balloon-tipped catheter to widen a narrowed artery. A stent is a tiny, flexible, wire, mesh tube that stays in place permanently to keep the artery open.

Carotid angiograms

An x-ray of the major arteries in the neck.

Peripheral and renal angioplasty and stent placement

Peripheral includes leg, iliac, subclavian, and renal arteries utilizing a balloon tipped catheter to widen a narrowed artery. A stent is a tiny, flexible, wire, mesh tube placed permanently to keep the artery open.

Permanent pacemaker and internal cardioverter/defibrillator insertion

A pacemaker is a medical device which uses electrical impulses, delivered by electrodes contacting the heart muscle to regulate the beating of the heart. An implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) is similar to a pacemaker with electrodes and a small generator but is programmed to detect cardiac arrythmia and corrects it by delivering a jolt of electricity. ICDs are implanted in patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest/death.

Open heart surgery

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery creates a new pathway for blood flow to the heart muscle.

Visceral angiography, angioplasty and stent placement

Examination of blood vessels using x-rays following the injection of a radiopaque contrast medium pertaining to the internal organs.


A non-surgical, minimally-invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist and interventional neuroradiologists. It involves the selective occlusion of blood vessels, by purposely introducing emboli in the form of particles and coils.

Dialysis catheter insertions

A catheter used for exchanging blood to and from the hemodialysis machine to the patient.

Dialysis graft declotting

Dialysis graft is a surgical connection between an artery and vein. Angioplasty or the removal of a blood clot is performed to restore flow for hemodialysis.

Peripherally inserted central lines and port-a-cath placement

A central line is an intravenous access catheter. A port-a-cath is a medical device inserted under the skin. Both can be used for a prolonged period of time for chemotherapy or antibiotic infusions.

Vena cava filter placement

An IVC filter, a type of vascular filter, is a medical device implanted into the inferior vena cava to prevent blood clots migrating to the lungs.

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