Cardiac Intervention Clinic

The Cardiac Intervention Clinic at Bangkok Hospital specializes in providing invasive, catheter-based diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of heart diseases. This clinic focuses on interventional cardiology procedures, which offer less invasive alternatives to traditional open-heart surgery. These procedures can effectively address various cardiovascular conditions, including myocardial infarction and vascular diseases caused by coronary artery disease. 

During a cardiac catheterization procedure, 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 until it reaches the heart. X-ray imaging is used in conjunction with the injection of radiographic contrast dye to visualize any abnormalities in the heart's blood vessels. Once the narrowed artery is identified, a balloon-tipped catheter covered with a stent is inflated, compressing the plaques against the artery walls and expanding the stent (known as balloon angioplasty). This process relieves the blockage and restores blood flow. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the stent in place to keep the artery open. In some cases, additional medical devices may be used to enhance treatment outcomes. 

In emergency situations, the treatment plans will be clearly explained and discussed with patients and their families. Patient education sessions are conducted to provide comprehensive information about alternative treatment options, including their benefits, drawbacks, and the necessary preparations before and after the procedures. 

Interventional cardiology procedures offer several advantages compared to traditional cardiac surgery. These advantages include less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. Some of the commonly performed interventional procedures in the Cardiac Intervention Clinic include: 

• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): This procedure involves the use of balloons and/or stents (balloon angioplasty and stent implantation) to treat coronary artery blockages, restoring blood flow to the heart. 

• Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR): FFR is a guide wire-based procedure that accurately measures blood pressure and flow through specific parts of the coronary artery. It helps assess the severity of blockages and guides treatment decisions. 

• Rotablation: Rotablation is a procedure used to remove plaque and calcified deposits from the walls of narrowed coronary arteries. A special catheter with a spinning tip is used to grind away the plaque, allowing blood to flow freely. 

• Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS): IVUS is a medical imaging test that utilizes a specially designed catheter with a miniaturized ultrasound probe. It provides detailed images of the artery walls, allowing precise detection of blockages or occlusions and optimizing stent placement during PCI. 

• Balloon Valvuloplasty: This procedure aims to reopen stiff (stenotic) heart valves without the need for valve repair or replacement surgery. A catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the groin and advanced to the heart, where a large balloon at the catheter's tip is inflated to open the valve flaps (leaflets). Once the valve is opened, the balloon is deflated, and the catheter is removed. 

In addition to adult cardiac interventions, the Cardiac Intervention Clinic also provides interventions for congenital heart diseases in children. These interventions include closing atrial septal defects (ASD) using special devices inserted through catheterization and closing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a condition in which the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, by inserting catheters. The clinic also performs catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures using balloons and/or stents for non-coronary heart vessels in cases of peripheral artery disease (PAD). 

The Cardiac Intervention Clinic at Bangkok Hospital combines advanced technology, skilled interventional cardiologists, and a patient-centered approach to deliver high-quality care for various heart conditions. The goal is to provide effective treatments with minimal invasiveness, reduced recovery time, and optimal outcomes for patients. 

The Cardiac Intervention Clinic at Bangkok Hospital offers minimally invasive procedures for heart diseases, including PCI, FFR, rotablation, IVUS, and balloon valvuloplasty. It also addresses congenital heart issues in children and PAD. Services emphasize quick recovery and optimal outcomes with a patient-centered focus.