Interventional Cardiology

Interventional cardiology is a medical specialty that uses catheter-based techniques to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. Parham Parto, MD, MPH, FACC, is an interventional cardiologist at Parto Heart & Vascular in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, California. He utilizes cutting-edge techniques to provide comprehensive cardiovascular care for those living in the Southern California region. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about interventional cardiology. 

How is interventional cardiology different from general cardiology?

Interventional cardiology and general cardiology both diagnose cardiovascular conditions. 

General cardiologists diagnose and manage cardiovascular conditions using medical interventions like lifestyle changes and medication.

Interventional cardiologists use catheters — thin, flexible tubes — to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. They insert the catheter into a blood vessel and use special tools to evaluate and treat the underlying issue. 

When do I need interventional cardiology?

Dr. Parto explains when you need interventional cardiology after a cardiovascular exam. He uses interventional cardiology to diagnose and treat many conditions, such as:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Carotid artery disease
• Heart valve disease
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
• Arrhythmias
• Heart failure
• Heart abnormalities

Dr. Parto cares for all ages, from infants to adults. 

What are interventional cardiology procedures?

Interventional cardiology procedures at Parto Heart & Vascular start with cardiac catheterization, which involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel and advancing it to your heart. Dr. Parto may examine your heart and then perform one of the following:

Balloon angioplasty with or without stenting

During a balloon angioplasty, Dr. Parto inflates a balloon into or near a blocked blood vessel to widen the passageway, improving blood flow. He may then place a stent (a metal mesh tube) to keep the blood vessel open.

Cutting balloon

A cutting balloon is a special balloon tip with small blades. When inflated, the blades cut into the plaque, and the balloon pushes it up against the blood vessel wall. Dr. Parto may use a cutting balloon in previously treated blood vessels with a stent.

Rotablation

Rotablation, also called rotational atherectomy, is an interventional cardiology tool that removes hardened plaque from the artery walls. 

Percutaneous valve repair

Percutaneous valve repair includes interventional cardiology procedures that repair heart valves. Balloon valvuloplasty is a type of percutaneous valve repair procedure that uses a balloon to repair narrow or constricted heart valves.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement or implantation (TAVR or TAVI)

TAVR and TAVI are interventional cardiology procedures that replace the aortic valve through blood vessels for people with aortic valve stenosis. 

Congenital heart defect correction

Congenital heart defects are heart abnormalities present at birth. Interventional cardiology procedures repair these abnormalities.

Coronary thrombectomy

A coronary thrombectomy is a catheter-based procedure that removes blood clots from the coronary arteries. Interventional cardiology procedures are nonsurgical, minimizing pain and recovery time. 

Call Parto Heart & Vascular today or schedule your interventional cardiology appointment online.