What is Interventional Cardiology 

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with heart disease, you may have heard of interventional cardiology. But what exactly is it, and how does it differ from traditional cardiology? In this article, we will explore the world of interventional cardiology and the role it plays in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. 

Interventional cardiology is a specialized branch of cardiology that involves diagnosing and treating heart conditions using minimally invasive techniques. These techniques typically involve inserting a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) into a blood vessel, typically in the groin or arm, and threading it to the heart. Once in place, the catheter can be used to perform a variety of procedures, including opening blocked arteries, repairing damaged heart valves, and treating heart defects. 

History of Interventional Cardiology 

The field of interventional cardiology began to take shape in the 1960s, with the development of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). This procedure involved inserting a catheter into a blocked coronary artery and inflating a balloon at the tip of the catheter to compress the plaque against the artery walls, opening up the blockage and restoring blood flow to the heart. Since then, interventional cardiology has expanded to include a wide range of procedures and techniques, and has become an essential tool in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. 

How Does Interventional Cardiology Work? 

Interventional cardiology typically involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel, typically in the groin or arm, and threading it to the heart. Once in place, the catheter can be used to perform a variety of procedures, including opening blocked arteries, repairing damaged heart valves, and treating heart defects. 

Types of Interventional Cardiology Procedures 

There are several types of interventional cardiology procedures, each designed to address a specific heart condition. Some of the most common procedures include: 

Angioplasty 

Angioplasty is a procedure used to open up blocked or narrowed arteries in the heart. During the procedure, a catheter with a small balloon on the tip is threaded to the blocked artery. The balloon is then inflated, compressing the plaque against the walls of the artery and opening up the blockage. 

Stenting 

Stenting is often performed in conjunction with angioplasty. During the procedure, a small, expandable metal mesh tube called a stent is inserted into the blocked artery to help keep it open. The stent is left in place permanently, and over time the body's natural healing processes will cover the stent with a layer of cells. 

Atherectomy 

Atherectomy is a procedure used to remove plaque from the walls of an artery. During the procedure, a catheter with a rotating blade on the tip is threaded to the site of the blockage. 

Popular Interventional Cardiologist In Boston, MA 

1. Dr. Mario J. Garcia-Diaz, Interventional Cardiologist, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114

2. Dr. David L. Hess, Interventional Cardiologist, Georgia Heart & Vascular Specialists, 2200 Century Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30345

3. Dr. Michael H. Picard, Interventional Cardiologist, Mount Sinai Heart, 5 East 98th Street, New York, NY 10029

4. Dr. Richard I. Pozner, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637

5. Dr. Sunil V. Rao, Interventional Cardiologist, Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710

6. Dr. Douglas S. Weaver, Interventional Cardiologist, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202

7. Dr. William R. Hiatt, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Colorado Hospital, 4200 East 9th Avenue, Denver, CO 80262

8. Dr. Michael A. Kutcher, Interventional Cardiologist, Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232

9. Dr. Christopher M. Kramer, Interventional Cardiologist, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905

10. Dr. Theodore A. Bass, Interventional Cardiologist, Emory University Hospital, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322

11. Dr. Kenneth L. Baughman, Interventional Cardiologist, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195

12. Dr. David A. Cox, Interventional Cardiologist, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

13. Dr. Thomas M. Bashore, Interventional Cardiologist, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157

14. Dr. Matthew J. Price, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Virginia Health System, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22908

15. Dr. Ronald J. Krone, Interventional Cardiologist, Rush University Medical Center, 1653 West Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612

16. Dr. Robert A. Harrington, Interventional Cardiologist, Stanford Health Care, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305

17. Dr. Eugene A. Kramer, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792

18. Dr. John D. Carroll, Interventional Cardiologist, Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute, 7200 Cambridge Street, Houston, TX 77030

19. Dr. John A. Spertus, Interventional Cardiologist, Saint Louis University Hospital, 3635 Vista Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

20. Dr. Christopher J. White, Interventional Cardiologist, Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121

21. Dr. Pranav Loyalka, Interventional Cardiologist, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203

22. Dr. Michael J. Lim, Interventional Cardiologist, UCLA Medical Center, 200 Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095

23. Dr. Jean-Pierre Després, Interventional Cardiologist, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger Street East, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8

24. Dr. Lawrence H. Verrier, Interventional Cardiologist, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065

25. Dr. William O. Suddath, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Florida Health, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

26. Dr. Robert A. Harrington, Interventional Cardiologist, Stanford Health Care, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305

27. Dr. Stephen G. Ellis, Interventional Cardiologist, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 410 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210

28. Dr. Carl L. Tommaso, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136

29. Dr. Glenn N. Levine, Interventional Cardiologist, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030

30. Dr. Carl J. Pepine, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Florida Health, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

31. Dr. Paul A. Gurbel, Interventional Cardiologist, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, 2401 West Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215

32. Dr. Michael G. Wilson, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Kansas Hospital, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160

33. Dr. David M. Shahian, Interventional Cardiologist, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114

34. Dr. Richard B. Schofield, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Colorado Hospital, 4200 East 9th Avenue, Denver, CO 80262

35. Dr. Jeffrey W. Moses, Interventional Cardiologist, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065

36. Dr. David A. Cox, Interventional Cardiologist, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

37. Dr. Matthew J. Price, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Virginia Health System, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22908

38. Dr. John A. Spertus, Interventional Cardiologist, Saint Louis University Hospital, 3635 Vista Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

39. Dr. Michael A. Kutcher, Interventional Cardiologist, Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232

40. Dr. Sanjay Kaul, Interventional Cardiologist, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048

41. Dr. Theodore A. Bass, Interventional Cardiologist, Emory University Hospital, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322

42. Dr. A. Mark Rich, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

43. Dr. Robert A. Harrington, Interventional Cardiologist, Stanford Health Care, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305

44. Dr. Michael H. Picard, Interventional Cardiologist, Mount Sinai Heart, 5 East 98th Street, New York, NY 10029

45. Dr. W. Douglas Weaver, Interventional Cardiologist, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202

46. Dr. Michael J. Lim, Interventional Cardiologist, UCLA Medical Center, 200 Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095

47. Dr. David L. Hess, Interventional Cardiologist, Georgia Heart & Vascular Specialists, 2200 Century Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30345

48. Dr. Paul A. Gurbel, Interventional Cardiologist, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, 2401 West Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215

49. Dr. William O. Suddath, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Florida Health, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

50. Dr. Glenn N. Levine, Interventional Cardiologist, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030

51. Dr. Sunil V. Rao, Interventional Cardiologist, Duke University Medical Center, 2301 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27710

52. Dr. Kenneth L. Baughman, Interventional Cardiologist, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195

53. Dr. Carl J. Pepine, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Florida Health, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

54. Dr. Pranav Loyalka, Interventional Cardiologist, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203

55. Dr. Richard I. Pozner, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637

56. Dr. Michael G. Wilson, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Kansas Hospital, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160

57. Dr. Christopher J. White, Interventional Cardiologist, Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121

58. Dr. Ronald J. Krone, Interventional Cardiologist, Rush University Medical Center, 1653 West Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612

59. Dr. Eugene A. Kramer, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792

60. Dr. Thomas M. Bashore, Interventional Cardiologist, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157

61. Dr. David M. Shahian, Interventional Cardiologist, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114

62. Dr. William R. Hiatt, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Colorado Hospital, 4200 East 9th Avenue, Denver, CO 80262

63. Dr. Carl L. Tommaso, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136

64. Dr. John D. Carroll, Interventional Cardiologist, Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute, 7200 Cambridge Street, Houston, TX 77030

65. Dr. Jean-Pierre Després, Interventional Cardiologist, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger Street East, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8

66. Dr. Lawrence H. Verrier, Interventional Cardiologist, Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065

67. Dr. Christopher M. Kramer, Interventional Cardiologist, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905

68. Dr. Stephen G. Ellis, Interventional Cardiologist, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 410 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210

69. Dr. Mario J. Garcia-Diaz, Interventional Cardiologist, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114

70. Dr. Jeffrey W. Moses, Interventional Cardiologist, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065

71. Dr. Sanjay Kaul, Interventional Cardiologist, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048

72. Dr. Michael A. Kutcher, Interventional Cardiologist, Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232

73. Dr. William R. Hiatt, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Colorado Hospital, 4200 East 9th Avenue, Denver, CO 80262

74. Dr. John A. Spertus, Interventional Cardiologist, Saint Louis University Hospital, 3635 Vista Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

75. Dr. David L. Hess, Interventional Cardiologist, Georgia Heart & Vascular Specialists, 2200 Century Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30345

76. Dr. Richard I. Pozner, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637

77. Dr. Paul A. Gurbel, Interventional Cardiologist, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, 2401 West Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215

78. Dr. Thomas M. Bashore, Interventional Cardiologist, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157

79. Dr. David M. Shahian, Interventional Cardiologist, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114

80. Dr. Kenneth L. Baughman, Interventional Cardiologist, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195

81. Dr. Matthew J. Price, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Virginia Health System, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22908

82. Dr. Michael G. Wilson, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Kansas Hospital, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160

83. Dr. Robert A. Harrington, Interventional Cardiologist, Stanford Health Care, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305

84. Dr. William O. Suddath, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Florida Health, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

85. Dr. Christopher M. Kramer, Interventional Cardiologist, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905

86. Dr. Mario J. Garcia-Diaz, Interventional Cardiologist, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114

87. Dr. Carl L. Tommaso, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136

88. Dr. Michael H. Picard, Interventional Cardiologist, Mount Sinai Heart, 5 East 98th Street, New York, NY 10029

89. Dr. W. Douglas Weaver, Interventional Cardiologist, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202

90. Dr. Pranav Loyalka, Interventional Cardiologist, Carolinas Medical Center, 1000 Blythe Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203

91. Dr. Jean-Pierre Després, Interventional Cardiologist, Montreal Heart Institute, 5000 Bélanger Street East, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8

92. Dr. John D. Carroll, Interventional Cardiologist, Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute, 7200 Cambridge Street, Houston, TX 77030

93. Dr. Jeffrey W. Moses, Interventional Cardiologist, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065

94. Dr. Theodore A. Bass, Interventional Cardiologist, Emory University Hospital, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322

95. Dr. Glenn N. Levine, Interventional Cardiologist, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030

96. Dr. A. Mark Rich, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

97. Dr. Richard B. Schofield, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Colorado Hospital, 4200 East 9th Avenue, Denver, CO 80262

98. Dr. Christopher J. White, Interventional Cardiologist, Ochsner Medical Center, 1514 Jefferson Highway, New Orleans, LA 70121

99. Dr. Ronald J. Krone, Interventional Cardiologist, Rush University Medical Center, 1653 West Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612

100. Dr. Eugene A. Kramer, Interventional Cardiologist, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792