Coronary Angiography
This procedure is one of what is called Cardiac Catheterization procedures. These procedures are used to diagnose the issue and at the same time treat it.
A Coronary Angiogram is usually used to diagnose blockages or blood flow issues in the blood vessels and arteries. This procedure utilises x-ray imaging. A dye, which is visible to x-rays is injected into the blood vessels of the heart and then a series of x-rays are taken. These images are called Angiograms. If there is a blockage or the arteries are clogged your doctor may perform what is called an Angioplasty. This is a procedure where the doctor can open the clogged arteries to relieve the blockage.
If you are having a Coronary Angiogram your Health Care Professionals will give you detailed instructions before the procedure. This will also include what to do before and after the procedure. You will also be advised about any medication that will be required.
At Macarthur Cardiology we are here to help, please feel free to ask us any questions or discuss any aspect of the procedure. We want you to feel comfort and confident you have all the facts.
Coronary Stenting
What are Coronary Stents? Coronary stents are in short, tiny mesh coils. Which when placed in the artery where a narrowing has occurred can expand to help alleviate the blockage. These stents can be used when an Angioplasty is performed.
The stent, once place, will be fully lined with tissue within 3 to 12 months. Some stents have a medicine coating. This is released and assist in preventing scarring and stop narrowing where this may become an issue.
Your healthcare team at Macarthur Cardiology will give you detailed instructions about preparation for your appointment and what you will need to do following the procedure.
At Macarthur Cardiology we are here to help, please feel free to ask us any questions or discuss any aspect of the procedure. We want you to feel comfort and confident you have all the facts.
Permanent pacemaker and defibrillator implantation
Why would I need a permanent pacemaker or defibrillator? If you have a problem with your heart rate or rhythm, it may be too slow, irregular, or too fast, this is called arrhythmia. In some cases where the condition is more serious you may need to have a permanent pacemaker, you may also need a defibrillator. A pacemaker can help control the heart rate; you may only need this implanted. Sometimes there is also a need to implant a defibrillator. The defibrillator can deliver shocks to the heart to assist in controlling the condition. This procedure to implant these devices is done in hospital. The devices are implanted into the chest or abdomen.
It is not a major operation and depending on your condition you may be up and around in as little as a few days.
Your healthcare team at Macarthur Cardiology will give you detailed instructions about preparation for your appointment and what you will need to do following the procedure.
At Macarthur Cardiology we are here to help, please feel free to ask us any questions or discuss any aspect of the procedure. We want you to feel comfort and confident you have all the facts.
Coronary artery bypass grafting
What is coronary artery bypass grafting? Most people know this surgical procedure by its colloquial name of bypass surgery. You may need this procedure if you have a blockage or narrowing of arteries that supply blood to your heart.
A coronary artery bypass graft is done by your specialist by first taking a vein from another part of your body. The vein is usually taken from your leg, arm, or chest. The vein is then “grafted” to where the blockages or narrowing is. It is used to “bypass” the blockage or narrowing. The graft does not remove the blockage or narrowing, it bypasses it hence the name bypass. Sometimes you may need to have more than one bypass to correct the issue.
Your healthcare team at Macarthur Cardiology will give you detailed instructions about preparation for your appointment and what you will need to do following the procedure.
At Macarthur Cardiology we are here to help, please feel free to ask us any questions or discuss any aspect of the procedure. We want you to feel comfort and confident you have all the facts.
Cardioversion
What is Cardioversion? Simply put cardioversion is a procedure to reinstate normal heart rhythm. If you have certain types of arrhythmias (irregular or abnormal heartbeats), you may need cardioversion.
The procedure is done whilst the patient is asleep. The doctor places electrodes/paddles on the patient’s chest and then a mild electrical shock is sent through the electrodes/paddle into the patient’s chest. The shock can then restore the natural heart rhythms.
At Macarthur Cardiology we want all its patients to feel confident and comfortable with all our procedures. If you have any questions please ask us, we are here to help.
Structural heart services (PFO/ASD closures)
What is PFO? A PFO is short for patent foramen ovale. This is where the heart has a small hole. PFO is not an uncommon occurrence and can be treat by various methods most commonly by inserting a catheter through the groin or leg. A closure device is then deployed to plug the hole. The tissue repairs around the hole until the hole is fixed. This is not a major procedure and recovery is usually reasonably swift with most patients back to normal duties within a couple of days.
What is ASD? ASD is Atrial septal defect. This is where there is structural heart disease or holes in the tissue that can lead to alterations in blood flow or blockages. Individuals may be born with this defect, and it may need to be treated as it can lead to significant issues such as blood clots, heart failure or other serious complications.
The treatment for ASD can be open heart surgery or through less invasive catheter methods.
Your healthcare team at Macarthur Cardiology will give you detailed instructions about preparation for your appointment and what you will need to do following the procedure.
At Macarthur Cardiology we are here to help, please feel free to ask us any questions or discuss any aspect of the procedure. We want you to feel comfort and confident you have all the facts
TAVI – Transaortic valve implantation
What is a TAVI? TAVI stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. If an aortic valve is damaged, it may need replacing. Your doctor may suggest a TAVI procedure to replace the damage valve with a new valve. This valve is made of natural tissue and is implanted into the heart. It then becomes part of the heart and functions as a normal heart valve, it opens and closes with the blood flow of the heart. A TAVI procedure may be used where open-heart surgery is not a good option for the patient.
Your healthcare team at Macarthur Cardiology will give you detailed instructions about preparation for your appointment and what you will need to do following the procedure.
At Macarthur Cardiology we are here to help, please feel free to ask us any questions or discuss any aspect of the procedure. We want you to feel comfort and confident you have all the facts.
Atrial fibrillation ablation and Appendage closure
If you have a heart disease known as atrial fibrillation your doctor may recommend to you to have a left atrial appendage closure procedure. Atrial fibrillation is where your heart’s electrical system is unstable, and your heartbeat becomes irregular and cannot be treated by other methods such as blood thinning medications. Atrial fibrillation ablation and appendage closure is where the doctor closes the opening of the left atrial appendage.
This procedure can be done by two methods. One is called a percutaneous procedure. You will have a special catheter inserted in your groin or leg. This catheter is then guided to your heart and a special plug is then inserted into the heart. This procedure is done with minimal invasiveness, local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic can be used.
The other option is surgery. This will be done in hospital under general anaesthetic and under normal hospital operating conditions. You will be given a mild relaxant before being given a general anaesthetic. You surgeon will then perform the operation by making an incision in your chest. This surgery will require more recovery time than a percutaneous procedure.
Your healthcare team at Macarthur Cardiology will give you detailed instructions about preparation for your appointment and what you will need to do following the procedure.
At Macarthur Cardiology we are here to help, please feel free to ask us any questions or discuss any aspect of the procedure. We want you to feel comfort and confident you have all the facts.
Transoesophageal Echocardiogram TOE
What is a transoesophageal echocardiogram?
A transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) is a type of echocardiogram. This is where sound waves known as ultrasound, are bounced through the body, in this case the chest area. The echoes of those waves produce images of the heart for your doctor. This procedure can be used to check for problems such as, faulty heart muscles or valves, tears in blood vessels, blood clots etc.
Doing a transoesophageal echocardiogram can give the doctor a clearer image of the heart, this is because there are no ribs or lungs to obscure the view. It can also be used to help guide your doctor during other heart procedures.
The procedure is done by inserting a probe into the mouth and guiding it down the throat to the oesophagus. Once the probe is in place the ultrasound images are then taken. This procedure is done in hospital and the patient will be sedated.
For more information, please click on the links below
https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-health-education/medical-tests-coronary-angiogram
https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/recovery-and-support/heart-procedures-and-devices
