Interventional Cardiology

Nationally Ranked in U.S. News & World Report

UT Southwestern Medical Center is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's top 25 hospitals for heart and vascular surgery.

The specialized interventional cardiologists at UT Southwestern Medical Center perform a number of sophisticated minimally invasive procedures to improve heart conditions and manage symptoms.

From heart failure and to coronary artery disease and valve conditions, our experienced team can evaluate and treat a wide range of cardiovascular concerns.

What Is Interventional Cardiology?

UT Southwestern’s interventional cardiologists use advanced, catheter-based procedures to treat and manage symptoms for people diagnosed with or suspected of having cardiovascular conditions such as:

• Advanced heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve disorders

Minimally invasive procedures allow eligible patients to avoid open-heart surgery.

What Are Interventional Cardiology Procedures?

Our interventional cardiologists perform a variety of minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. These include:

Cardiac Catheterization Procedures

In a cardiac catheterization, a cardiologist guides a catheter to the heart through the groin or wrist to perform diagnostic examinations and treatment procedures such as:

• Balloon angioplasty: The cardiologist guides a thin, flexible tube (catheter) with a tiny balloon at its tip to the site of a narrowed or blocked artery. The balloon is inflated to compress plaque against the artery wall to help restore blood flow.
• Coronary stents: The cardiologist uses a catheter to insert a small, lattice-shaped metal tube at the site of a narrowed coronary artery to relieve narrowing. Some stents contain medications that can reduce the risk that the artery will become blocked again.
• Atherectomy: The cardiologist uses specialized devices to remove plaque buildup from your arteries. A variety of different types of blades or lasers may be used including:
  • Laser ablation atherectomy: A laser destroys or vaporizes plaque or scar tissue.
  • Orbital atherectomy: A spinning tool works like sandpaper to remove plaque and calcium and enable better stent expansion.
  • Rotational atherectomy: Tiny blades cut plaque in a circular motion to remove plaque and calcium and enable better stent expansion.
• Brachytherapy: The cardiologist works with the radiation oncology department to deliver small doses of radiation to remove scar tissue that can build up inside stents and cause the arteries to narrow. It’s often used for people with multiple stents or recurring in-stent restenosis.

What Support Services Does UT Southwestern Offer?

UT Southwestern’s cardiac rehabilitation specialists create customized plans that integrate proper nutrition, exercise, and, if necessary, nicotine cessation into patients’ lifestyles to improve their cardiovascular health.

What Clinical Trials Are Available for Interventional Cardiology?

As one of the nation’s top academic medical centers, UT Southwestern offers a number of clinical trials aimed at improving the outcomes of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Clinical trials often give patients access to leading-edge treatments that are not yet widely available. Eligible patients who choose to participate in one of UT Southwestern’s clinical trials might receive treatments years before they are available to the public.