Interventional Cardiology

At North Cascade Cardiology we recognize that invasive surgical procedures may not be the right approach for all our patients. Today, non-surgical options are safer and more effective than ever before, and offer patients more options for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Our expert interventional cardiologists provide a full range of the most advanced, interventional cardiology and other treatment options, including:

Atherectomy. Using this method, blood flow to the heart is improved by removal of plaque that blocks arteries.

Balloon angioplasty for coronary arteries and peripheral arteries that supply the kidneys, legs, brain, and arms. Our expert interventional cardiologists offer the latest technology in this minimally invasive treatment for the re-opening of arteries that have been occluded by atherosclerosis.

Endomyocardial Biopsy. Using a special catheter, samples of heart muscle can be safely removed for microscopic analysis. In certain heart muscle disorders, endomyocardial biopsy can aid in diagnosis and in determining appropriate therapy. Biopsies are also utilized to monitor immune rejection in patients who have undergone heart transplantation.

Endovascular closure of adult congenital heart defects such as patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defects. Using the latest technological advances, defects in the wall that separates the two atria of the heart can be repaired with umbrella-shaped "patches" that are implanted using a catheter delivery system.

Pericardiocentesis. Our interventional/invasive cardiologists are experts in this preferred method for the safe and effective removal of pericardial effusions (fluid around the heart).

Angioplasty and Stenting for Heart Disease
Angioplasty is used to re-open coronary arteries that have become narrowed by atherosclerotic plaques. This procedure is used to treat blocked coronary arteries as well as arteries in other parts of the body. Angioplasty requires only local anesthesia and perhaps mild sedation (relaxing medications). Patients typically spend the night in the hospital and are able to return to normal activity in a day or two.

During balloon angioplasty, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in the groin. A tiny balloon is then passed through the catheter and is guided to the narrowed area(s), where the balloon is expanded to stretch open the artery.

In many cases, angioplasty is followed by the insertion of a stent - a metallic tubular mesh that acts as a scaffold, holding the artery open. At North Cascade Cardiology, we offer the latest stenting technology, including drug-coated stents that help to prevent the blockage from re-forming at a later time.
Stenting

A coronary stent is a tubular metal mesh that is used to keep coronary arteries open. Since the stent will be placed inside an artery, the device comes in various sizes to match the size of the artery. The stent, which is mounted on a small balloon, is guided to a coronary artery, and is expanded by inflating the balloon. The stent is left permanently in the artery.  North Cascade Cardiologist use the latest in stent technology, including drug-coated stents whenever and wherever possible to maintain a very low risk of recurrent narrowing of the artery.

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