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Offering Interventional Cardiology in Williamsport, PA

Interventional cardiology is the branch of cardiology that deals specifically with the catheter-based treatment of structural heart diseases. Our team of highly skilled and experienced cardiologists perform thousands of cath lab procedures each year. If you’d like to request a consultation to learn more about interventional cardiology in Williamsport, PA. 

At UPMC, we offer the following interventional cardiology procedures.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is performed to further evaluate structural heart diseases. During this procedure, a small hollow tube (catheter) is moved from a blood vessel in the groin or arm through the aorta into the heart. The catheter may measure pressure within the chambers or move into coronary arteries and inject a contrast dye. Fluoroscopy (a special type of X-ray) or intravascular ultrasound may be used to take a better look at blockages in the arteries.

Cardiac catheterization may be performed to assist diagnosis of:

Angioplasty/Stent Placement

The goal of angioplasty is to open blood vessels and increase blood flow to the heart. The procedure is performed when arteries become narrowed or blocked with plaque. In angioplasty, a catheter is inserted into the artery. Most often, stents (expandable tubes) are placed to keep the artery open.

Atherectomy

Atherectomy is a treatment similar to angioplasty. A cutting device is used in an atherectomy to remove plaque buildup from the artery wall. It is performed to open up narrowed arteries and increase blood flow. Atherectomies can make it easier for a physician to place a stent (expandable tube) in the artery to keep it open.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

This is a surgical procedure that requires only a small incision and repairs the valve without removing the damaged valve. A replacement valve is wedged into the aortic valve's place. Now, TAVR offers a less invasive approach for people who are at increased surgical risk or have been turned down for traditional aortic valve replacement because of age or other medical conditions  TAVR is a less invasive procedure that surgeons perform while the heart beats, does not involve open-heart surgery or require the need for a heart-lung bypass machine, and may result in a faster, milder recovery.

Heart & Vascular Institute at UPMC offers interventional cardiology in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas, as part of our heart and vascular services.