Minimally invasive catheter-based approaches can treat a wide range of heart and vascular diseases — from heart arrhythmias to heart valve problems and heart attacks.

This method uses a thin, flexible tube (catheter) inserted into a small incision in your upper thigh, arm or neck and guided to an artery and into your heart. We use catheter-based approaches to diagnose and treat illnesses in a single procedure.

Rather than a single, large incision, small incisions mean less pain and scarring, a quicker recovery, and a lower risk of complications than open surgery. Also, these procedures offer treatment for people who can’t have open surgery because of the risk.

Interventional cardiologists do these procedures in our catheterization labs, electrophysiology labs, and hybrid operating rooms (allows combined interventional cardiology and open surgery approaches). With the help of catheters, imaging equipment, and tiny instruments, doctors can offer treatments with very little recovery time.

Robert Hinrichs - TAVR Patient

When Robert found out he needed a valve replacement, he and his wife were relieved to learn he could have a minimally invasive procedure. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) changed his life for the better.

Meet Robert

Interventional Cardiology Services

Our interventional cardiologists work with heart surgeons, vascular surgeons, radiologists, and nurses to provide the latest treatment.

  • Atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale closures. We place a tiny mesh implant to close holes between heart chambers.
  • Angioplasty (percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI). This procedure, also called balloon angioplasty, is a lifesaving treatment for heart attacks.
  • Balloon valvuloplasty. We use this to repair a narrowed heart valve opening.
  • Left atrial appendage occlusion implant. This heart implant reduces the risk of stroke in people with AFib, offering an alternative to taking blood thinners.
  • Myocardial biopsy. We use this minimally invasive approach to take small samples of your heart muscle for examination.
  • Stenting. We place mesh tubes in arteries to hold them open and restore blood flow. Stents are often used after angioplasty or aneurysm repairs.
  • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We use these advanced procedures to replace a damaged aortic valve without removing it.
  • Transcatheter mitral valve repair. We insert this small clip to your mitral valve so that it closes completely, preventing it from leaking (mitral regurgitation).