Cardiology Procedures

The Echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to produce live images of your heart and allows our physicians to monitor your heart and its valves to see how they are functioning. This exam lasts approximately 30 minutes. Here’s what to expect if you are having an Echo:

• The procedure will be completed in our Echo/Vascular department prior to your appointment with your physician.
• We will apply ultrasonic gel and a transducer to your chest in order to obtain images.

A Carotid Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to examine the blood flow in the carotid arteries in your neck. This test helps doctors identify any blockages or narrowing that could increase your risk of stroke.

The Abdominal Aorta or Renal Artery Ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to produce live images of your aorta or renal arteries. This exam lasts approximately 30 minutes. Here’s what to expect if you are having an ultrasound:

• The procedure will be completed in our Echo/Vascular department prior to your appointment with your physician.
• We will apply ultrasonic gel and a transducer to your abdomen in order to obtain images.
• You should have nothing to eat or drink for at least 6 hours prior to the exam; ideally schedule your test first thing in the morning after an overnight fast. It is also a good idea for you to only have a light, bland meal the night before.

Endovenous Ablations are outpatient procedures that treat problems with veins in the legs and will last approximately 60 to 90 minutes. This procedure is minimally invasive and does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. Here’s what to expect if you are having Endovenous Ablation:

• You may eat and drink and take your medications as you usually do.
• You will be given a prescription for support stockings. However, the stockings can also be purchased at most drug stores or medical supply stores instead, if you prefer. Please bring these with you.
• Please refrain from strenuous activities for  1 to 2 days after the procedure.

An Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical signals of the heart, which helps doctors diagnose various heart conditions, including arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), heart attacks, and other heart diseases. An ECG is typically performed during each office visit with our cardiologists.

Continuous Holter Monitor: a small single-patch heart monitor that can be worn up to 14 days to monitor your heart rhythm.

Event Monitor: a portable heart monitor that can be worn up to 30 days that can auto-record your heart rhythm or can be activated by the patient when symptoms arise.

Pacemaker (Transvenous & Endovascular), Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), CRT, & Implantable Loop Recorder: Long-term monitoring of these devices can be conveniently handled by your physician at Cardiology PC following implantation by an electrophysiologist.

A graded exercise stress test (GXT), is a non-invasive procedure used to evaluate the heart’s function under stress. During the test, you will exercise on a treadmill while your heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) are monitored. This information helps doctors assess your risk of heart disease and identify any potential problems with your heart’s blood flow or rhythm..

A nuclear stress test is used to examine how well blood flows to your heart muscle both at rest and when your heart is under stress. This “stress” refers to either walking on a treadmill or receiving a medication that mimics the effects of exercise while sitting or laying down. The injection of a radioactive tracer allows a specialized camera to take images of your heart before and after the stress to compare blood flow and identify any potential issues.

We offer both SPECT and PET/CT nuclear stress tests; the main difference between the two is the type of specialized camera used for imaging the heart.

Here’s what to expect if you are having a Nuclear Stress Test:

• NO CAFFEINE for 12 HOURS PRIOR – (NO coffee – including decaffeinated, soda, tea, chocolate, or medicines containing caffeine) 
• An IV will be started to allow for multiple injections.
• A small amount of radioactive tracer will be injected at Rest and Stress. The radiation exposure is very minimal, similar to a diagnostic CT scan.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and loose-fitting clothes.
• No food for 4 hours prior to your appointment (water is allowed).
  • If you are diabetic, please contact your physician for specific instructions.
• Please check with your physician in regards to stopping any medications prior to the procedure.
• Please notify us if you have claustrophobia or are unable to lie down for up to 30 minutes

An amyloidosis nuclear scan, sometimes referred to as a PYP scan, is a diagnostic imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to detect abnormal protein deposits called amyloid in the body. These deposits can affect various organs, including the heart, kidneys, and liver, leading to a range of symptoms. By identifying the location and extent of amyloid deposits, this scan helps doctors diagnose and stage amyloidosis.

A radionuclide angiography scan, also known as a MUGA or ERNA scan, is a type of nuclear medicine test used to assess the function of the heart muscle. During a MUGA scan, a radioactive tracer is injected into the bloodstream and its movement through the heart is monitored over time. This information helps doctors evaluate how well the heart is pumping blood and identify any areas of weakness or damage.

A coronary calcium CT scan, also known as a calcium score, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses X-rays to detect and measure calcium buildup in the coronary arteries. This buildup, known as plaque, can lead to a heart attack or stroke. By identifying the presence and amount of calcium in the arteries, this test helps assess an individual’s risk for cardiovascular disease and guide preventive measures.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure, much less invasive than surgical valve replacement, that treats aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve. During the procedure, a new valve is inserted into the heart through a catheter placed in a blood vessel in the leg. The new valve replaces the diseased or malfunctioning aortic valve, and immediately begins controlling blood flow.

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is a minimally invasive procedure, much less invasive than surgical valve replacement, that treats mitral valve stenosis, a narrowing of the mitral valve. During the procedure, a new valve is inserted into the heart through a catheter placed in a blood vessel in the leg. The new valve replaces the diseased or malfunctioning mitral valve, and immediately begins controlling blood flow.

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a procedure that reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the left atrial appendage (LAA) and entering the bloodstream. The LAA is a small pouch in one of the heart’s upper chambers that doesn’t have a function. When the heart doesn’t contract normally, blood clots can form in the LAA and break off into the brain, causing a stroke.

Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) of the mitral valve is used in the treatment of mitral regurgitation. During the procedure, a device is inserted into the heart through a catheter placed in a blood vessel in the leg. The device holds the anterior and posterior mitral valve leaflets together by grasping them with a clipping device so the valve closes more completely.

Transcatheter septal defect closure is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter placed in a blood vessel in the leg to close holes in the heart’s septum. The procedure is used to treat atrial septal defects (ASDs) and patent foramen ovale.

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is a minimally invasive procedure, much less invasive than the surgical alternative, that treats hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition that thickens the heart muscle. During the procedure, alcohol is injected into the blood vessel that supplies the heart’s septum, the muscular wall between the left and right ventricles. The alcohol causes some cells to die, shrinking the tissue and improving blood flow.

Leaflet modification is a procedure used to prepare a heart valve for replacement. It involves using a special tool to split or repair the valve’s leaflets, which can help prevent complications during the valve replacement surgery. This procedure is often performed before a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to reduce the risk of coronary artery obstruction.

• Coronary Arteriogram (Heart Cath): A coronary arteriogram (heart cath) is a medical procedure used to assess the health of the coronary arteries, which are arteries that supply blood to the heart. During a heart cath, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and threaded to the heart. This allows doctors to visualize the heart’s arteries and chambers, identify blockages or narrowing, and perform interventions such as angioplasty or stent placement if necessary.
• Carotid Arteriogram (4 Vessel): A carotid arteriogram is a procedure used to assess the health of the four major carotid arteries in the neck. It involves inserting a catheter and injecting a contrast dye to visualize the arteries and identify any blockages or narrowing that could increase the risk of stroke.
• Aorta & Iliac Angiogram (A&I): An aorta and iliac angiogram is a procedure that uses X-rays to visualize the aorta and iliac arteries. During the procedure, a thin catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and threaded to the arteries that supply blood to the abdomen and legs, where a contrast dye is injected. This allows doctors to identify blockages, narrowing, or aneurysms in these blood vessels.

Endovenous ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat varicose veins. During the procedure, a laser or radiofrequency energy is delivered through a small incision to the affected vein, causing it to close and redirect blood flow to healthier veins. This reduces the appearance of varicose veins and may alleviate associated symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discomfort.