Cardiac Procedures

Coronary Angiogram

A coronary angiogram is an X-ray of the arteries in the heart (coronary arteries) to see if they are narrowed or blocked. A coronary angiogram may be recommended if you are suspected to have coronary artery disease.

The test is done in a special laboratory called a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab), which is similar to an operating theatre.

Should a narrowing or blockage be found, it may be treated during the procedure with coronary angioplasty and stenting. Coronary angioplasty involves widening the narrowing with a balloon catheter and stenting refers to the insertion of a small wire mesh tube (stent) to keep the artery open.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive heart procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly (aortic valve stenosis).

TAVI is performed in a special laboratory called a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab), which is similar to an operating theatre.

TAVI involves the insertion of a collapsed stented valve through the groin artery into the heart using a catheter (thin, flexible tube). Once the valve is in position, it will then be opened up, securing it in the desired position.

TAVI may be an option for people who are at higher risk of complications from surgical aortic valve replacement (open-heart surgery).

Valvuloplasty

Valvuloplasty is a procedure to repair a heart valve with a narrowed opening (stenosis).

The test is done in a special laboratory called a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab), which is similar to an operating theatre.

A catheter (thin, flexible tube) with a small balloon on the tip is inserted into an artery in your groin and guided to the narrowed valve in your heart. The balloon is then inflated and widens the opening of the valve. The balloon is then deflated, and the catheter and balloon are removed.

Valvuloplasty helps to increase blood flow across the valve and improve heart function.

Pacemaker Insertion

A pacemaker is a medical device that uses electrical impulses to regulate the beating of the heart. The primary purpose of this device is to maintain an adequate heart rate, either because the heart is beating too slow (bradycardia), beating irregularly (arrhythmia) or there is a block in the heart’s electrical conduction system (heart block). Modern pacemakers are externally programmable and allow the cardiologist to select the optimum pacing modes for individual patients.

Pacemakers are inserted in a special laboratory called a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab), which is similar to an operating theatre. One or more flexible, insulated wires are inserted into a major vein under or near your collarbone and guided to your heart using X-ray images. One end of each wire is secured to the appropriate position in your heart, while the other end is attached to the pulse generator, which is usually implanted under the skin beneath your collarbone.

Insertion of a pacemaker is a very common procedure. This is performed under local anaesthetic with sedative medication to make you feel comfortable.

Implantable Loop Recorder

An implantable loop recorder is a small device which is inserted underneath your skin on the left side of your chest and constantly monitors your heartbeat. It allows for long-term heart rhythm monitoring by recording the electrical signals in your heart so that when the recording is downloaded, your doctor will be able to see how your heart has been working.

It is particularly useful in patients suffering from fainting episodes or transient palpitations. It can capture information that a standard electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor may miss due to the infrequent nature of the symptoms.

You will need to undergo a minor surgical procedure to implant the loop recorder.

The device can stay in place for up to three years.

Arrhythmia Ablation

Cardiac arrhythmia ablation is a procedure that can correct heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias).

It involves inserting catheters (long, flexible tubes) through a vein or artery in your groin which are threaded to your heart to deliver radiofrequency energy (similar to microwave heat) to scar or destroy tissue that triggers or sustains an abnormal heart rhythm.

It is particularly useful to treat various arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter, when medical treatment is ineffective or causes side effects.

Arrhythmia ablation is performed in a special laboratory called a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab), which is similar to an operating theatre.