Coronary angiography is a diagnostic procedure that uses contrast dye and X-ray imaging to examine the arteries supplying blood to the heart. It helps identify narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. The findings support decisions about medical treatment, angioplasty or other forms of coronary intervention.
Coronary angioplasty is a catheter-based procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. A balloon is positioned within the affected area and inflated to improve blood flow. A stent may also be placed, depending on the artery's condition and treatment requirements.
Coronary stenting involves placing a small expandable scaffold inside a coronary artery to support blood flow following angioplasty. Drug-eluting stents are commonly used in suitable cases. Patients generally require appropriate antiplatelet treatment and follow-up to reduce the risk of complications.
Complex coronary angioplasty involves treating challenging coronary artery lesions, which may include calcified, long or anatomically difficult blockages. Specialised equipment and techniques may be needed. The procedural strategy depends on artery anatomy, clinical symptoms and the patient's cardiovascular risk profile.
Peripheral angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen certain narrowed or blocked arteries outside the heart. It may be considered for selected patients with peripheral arterial disease. Treatment aims to improve circulation and is planned according to symptoms, vascular anatomy and medical suitability.
Renal artery angioplasty treats selected cases of narrowing in arteries supplying the kidneys. A catheter-based balloon may be used, sometimes with stent placement. It is not appropriate for every renal artery narrowing, and careful evaluation of blood pressure, kidney function and clinical indications is required.
Carotid artery angioplasty is a catheter-based procedure used in selected patients with significant narrowing of an artery supplying blood to the brain. It may be combined with stent placement. The procedure requires evaluation of stroke risk, arterial anatomy and alternatives such as medical therapy or surgery.
A pacemaker is an implanted electronic device used to help manage selected abnormal heart rhythms, particularly slow heart rates caused by conduction problems. Assessment includes reviewing symptoms, electrocardiograms and relevant investigations. Device selection and implantation depend on the specific rhythm disorder.
Balloon valvuloplasty is a catheter-based procedure that widens certain narrowed heart valves. A balloon is placed across the affected valve and inflated to increase the opening. Its suitability depends on valve anatomy, the type of valve disease and clinical circumstances.
Balloon mitral valvotomy is used for selected patients with rheumatic mitral valve narrowing. A catheter-delivered balloon is used to enlarge the valve opening. Suitability depends on the valve's structure, the presence of associated disease and the absence of certain contraindications.
Rotational atherectomy is a specialised coronary procedure that uses a rotating device to modify severe calcium deposits within selected arterial blockages. It can facilitate balloon expansion and stent implantation. The technique is typically considered during complex coronary interventions after detailed anatomical assessment.
Cardiac catheterisation uses thin tubes introduced through blood vessels to assess or treat selected cardiovascular conditions. It can provide pressure measurements, angiographic imaging or access for interventional procedures. The technique chosen depends on the medical indication and the patient's cardiovascular findings.
Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque accumulation narrows the vessels supplying the heart. Management may involve medication, lifestyle changes and catheter-based or surgical interventions when indicated. Treatment is selected according to symptoms, coronary anatomy and the patient's overall cardiovascular risk.
Preventive cardiology focuses on reducing the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular complications. Assessment may include blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes status, smoking history and other risk factors. Management involves evidence-based lifestyle measures, appropriate medicines and monitoring according to individual cardiovascular risk.