Cardiac Intervention Clinic

The Cardiac Intervention Clinic at Bangkok Heart Hospital specializes in providing invasive diagnosis and treatment for heart diseases through catheter-based procedures. These interventions are primarily used to address cardiovascular conditions such as myocardial infarction and vascular diseases resulting from coronary artery disease. 

During cardiac catheterization, a long, thin tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery or vein in the groin, neck, or arm. The catheter is carefully guided through the blood vessels to the heart. X-ray imaging is used to assist in identifying abnormalities in the heart's blood vessels. Radiographic contrast dye is injected to visualize the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries caused by atherosclerotic plaques. 

Once the narrowed artery is reached, a balloon-tipped catheter covered with a stent is inflated. The balloon compresses the plaques against the artery walls, and the stent expands to keep the artery open (balloon angioplasty and stent implantation). In some cases, a stent is left in the artery to ensure its patency. Additional medical devices may be used to further enhance treatment outcomes. 

In emergency situations, the treatment plans are explained clearly to patients and their families. Patient education sessions are conducted to provide information about alternative treatment options, their advantages and disadvantages, and the necessary preparations before and after the procedures. 

Interventional cardiology procedures offer several advantages over traditional cardiac surgery, including less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. Some of the common interventional procedures performed in the clinic include: 

• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Balloon angioplasty and stent implantation to treat coronary artery blockages. 

• Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR): A procedure that uses a guide wire to measure blood pressure and flow in specific parts of the coronary artery, aiding in the assessment of blockages. 

• Rotablation: This technique involves using a special catheter with a spinning tip to remove plaque and calcified deposits from the coronary artery walls. 

• Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS): A medical imaging test that uses a catheter with an ultrasound probe to visualize the structure and lining of artery walls, assisting in the optimization of stent placement during PCI. 

• Balloon Valvuloplasty: A procedure to open a stiff heart valve without surgery. A catheter with a balloon at its tip is inserted into the valve and inflated to widen the valve opening. 

The clinic also provides interventions for congenital heart diseases, such as closing atrial septal defects (ASD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using specially designed devices inserted through catheterization. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is also treated through catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using balloons and/or stents for non-coronary heart vessels. 

At the Cardiac Intervention Clinic, a team of interventional cardiologists and specialized healthcare professionals utilize their expertise and state-of-the-art technology to deliver high-quality care and optimal outcomes for patients with various cardiac conditions. 

The Cardiac Intervention Clinic at Bangkok Heart Hospital specializes in catheter-based procedures like PCI, FFR, rotablation, and IVUS for heart diseases. They provide balloon angioplasty, stent implantation, and treatments for congenital and peripheral artery diseases, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.