Interventional cardiology

About the specialty

Interventional cardiology covers procedures performed without opening the chest, through an artery or a vein: coronary angiography, angioplasty and device implantation.

These procedures are decided by the cardiologist. Polycrabat Sevamed coordinates the referral, the stay and follow-up with the referring doctor.

Main conditions treated

• Suspected coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Narrowing of the heart arteries
• Slow heart rhythm disorders
• Need for a pacemaker
• Follow-up after an interventional procedure

Tests, techniques and procedures

The techniques used and their indication are decided by the doctor, case by case. As a general guide:

• Coronary angiography
• Coronary angioplasty
• Pacemaker implantation
• Monitoring after the procedure

Depending on the medical indication, the technique concerned is offered within the Polycrabat Sevamed network. Its availability in a specific facility is confirmed by the coordination team on a case-by-case basis.

The patient pathway

1. 01
   Consultation and assessmentReview of the file, symptoms and tests already performed.
2. 02
   Referral to a specialistChoice of the most appropriate discipline and doctor.
3. 03
   Additional testsLaboratory tests, imaging or investigations depending on the medical indication.
4. 04
   Treatment and careTreatment plan defined by the medical team.
5. 05
   Hospital stay if necessaryStay and monitoring when the patient’s condition requires it.
6. 06
   Follow-up and referring doctorRelevant information is sent to the doctor in the home country.

A multidisciplinary approach

The interventional cardiologist works with the cardiologist, the cardiovascular surgeon, the anaesthetist and the intensive care teams.

Health Info guides

Key facts to understand tests and treatments before discussing them with your doctor.

• Coronary angiography, angioplasty and stents: when are they useful?→
• Rheumatic heart disease: protecting the heart valves→
• Heart rhythm disorders: when should a pacemaker be considered?→
• Heart surgery: assessment, hospital stay and follow-up→

All Health Info guides

See also

• Cardiology→
• Cardiovascular surgery→
• Medical imaging & radiology→

International patients

Polycrabat Sevamed supports patients coming from abroad: file review, referral to a specialist, scheduling appointments, hospitalisation, coordination of the medical stay and continuity with the doctor in the home country.