M.D. Catheterization is often called for when non-invasive diagnostic studies still leave a question in the mind of the cardiologist. Cardiologists can use catheters to open a stenotic heart valve or dilate coronary arteries or bypass grafts. Interventional catheterization procedures also have multiplied, widening the range of choices to improve cardiac blood flow beyond traditional balloon angioplasty, in which pressure from the balloon widens an artery. Depending on the number, severity, and appearance of the blockages, we may send a patient for bypass surgery, or we may decide to use conventional balloon angioplasty, stents, or atherectomy. Angioplasty seems to be most useful when there are one or two blocked arteries.
Most hospitals rely on clot busting therapy to open blocked arteries during a heart attack.
We have had great success with this treatment over the past 2 years and our response time, even in the off hours is quite good. This is a credit to our dedicated and experienced catheterization team. This 24 hour availablility can be stressful at times, but the catheterization team's morale remains high knowing they are delivering the best, state of the art care to the patients who come to Strong Memorial Hospital. The wider open the artery, the better. That's the advantage of the stent, which opens the artery wide and keeps it open.