Advanced Home Care

Angiogram (Heart Catheterization)

Also called an "arteriogram" or "heart catheterization," an angiogram is an x-ray of the arteries and veins to detect blockage or narrowing of the vessels.

Angioplasty (PCTA)

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is performed to open blocked coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease (CAD) and to restore arterial blood flow to the heart tissue without open-heart surgery. A special catheter (long hollow tube) is inserted into the coronary artery to be treated. This catheter has a tiny balloon at its tip. The balloon is inflated once the catheter has been placed into the narrowed area of the coronary artery. The inflation of the balloon compresses the fatty tissue in the artery and makes a larger opening inside the artery for improved blood flow.

Arrhythmia Event Monitoring

Uses various monitoring devices to evaluate and monitor abnormal heart rhythms.

Arterial Doppler Study

The Arterial Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves at a frequency that is higher than humans are able to hear to produce images on a monitor for the purpose of evaluating the arterial blood flow to the upper extremities (arms) and lower extremities (legs).

Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

Cardiac and Vascular Clinical Research Trials

We participate in numerous cardiac and vascular research trials. The list is constantly rotating because national trials open and close due to a number of reasons such as having enrolled enough participants.

Cardiac and Vascular Support Programs

We offer educational and support programs for patients overcoming the emotional and physical effects of cardiovascular disease and stroke, their friends and families. This often begins with gaining a better understanding of the conditions and sharing your experience with others through support groups.

Cardiac MRI

Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses special magnets and a computer to create images of the heart as it is beating, producing both still and moving pictures of the heart and major blood vessels. Doctors use cardiac MRI to get images of the beating heart and to look at the structure and function of the heart. These images can help them decide how best to treat patients with heart problems.

Cardiac Scoring (Coronary CT)

Cardiac scoring is a simple test that determines your risk for developing coronary artery disease long before any signs or symptoms are visible. Using a high-speed CT scanner, physicians can detect calcium deposits in the coronary artery and then assess your chances of developing heart disease.

The high-tech scanning equipment makes the test quick, easy and completely noninvasive. The entire exam takes about 10 minutes.

Carotid Doppler

The Carotid Doppler exam uses sound frequency in a range that is higher than human beings are able to hear to produce images of the carotid arteries in the neck on a viewing screen. The blood flow through these arteries is evaluated with Doppler.

Coronary Artery Stent Placement

A therapeutic procedure similar to PTCA; however, instead of a balloon being solely used to compress the plaque into the artery wall, a thin metal expandable cylinder is inserted with the balloon. The balloon is inflated, causing the stent to expand so that the struts embed themselves in the artery wall, thereby allowing the vessels to remain open and provide optimal blood flow to the rest of the heart. This procedure often results in better long-term results than PTCA alone.

Coronary CT Angiography

Coronary CT Angiography uses a 64-slice CT scanner to produce detailed pictures of the heart in a few seconds and provide sharp, clear, three-dimensional images.

The 64-slice scanner allows doctors to evaluate the most common causes of acute chest pain with a single scan. It may also permit some patients to avoid surgical procedures, such as cardiac catheterization.

Echocardiogram (Echo)

An echocardiogram (also known as an Echo) is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on the chest at certain locations and angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move through the skin and other body tissues to the heart tissues, where the waves echo off of the heart structures. The transducer picks up the reflected waves and sends them to a computer. The computer interprets the echoes into an image of the heart walls and valves.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted and printed out for the physician's information and further interpretation.

Electrophysiology Studies (EP Studies)

An electrophysiology study (EP study) is a cardiac catheterization to study electrical currents in patients who have arrhythmias.

Endovascular Stenting

Endovascular stenting is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat circulatory system blockage or damage to blood vessels caused by the build-up of plaque (fatty deposits, calcium deposits and scar tissue) in the arteries -- sometimes called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).  It involves placing a stent, or a small wire-mesh tube, in an affected artery. The procedure may be done along with cleaning or repairing the artery.

Event/Loop Recorders

Portable event/loop recorders can monitor heart activity for weeks to months, while the device is worn by the individual at home. A permanent record is kept only when the patient activates the recorder during periods when symptoms are felt.

Heart and Vascular Surgery

A variety of surgery options to treat conditions impacting the cardiovascular system (heart and/or blood vessels). Can range from heart bypass surgery to valve replacement and repair, stenting to aneurysm repair.

Heart Failure Treatment

Heart failure is a serious form of heart disease, but it can be monitored and treated in an attempt to improve heart function and reduce symptoms. The proper treatment for heart failure depends on what area of your heart is affected, and can include medicine and/or surgery.

Heart Risk Assessment

An important first step in preventing cardiovascular disease and stroke is determining your level of risk. We offer one-on-one cardiovascular risk assessments, which include cholesterol level and blood pressure checks as well as personal consultations on how to reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Implantable Defibrillator Checks

Implantable defibrillators help patients who suffer from irregular heart rhythms. They are small monitors placed under the skin to continuously monitor the heart's rhythm. When the device detects ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, it shocks the heart to restore the normal rhythm.

Interventional Neuroradiology

Interventional neuroradiology is a subspecialty that uses special techniques to treat vascular problems of the brain and spine. These strategies involve the use of catheters (hollow plastic tubes) to treat complex cerebrovascular problems from within the blood vessels. Using this technique, surgeons can perform a variety of procedures, such as embolization of intracranial and spinal vascular malformations, as well as cerebral angioplasty.

Nutrition Counseling

Developing a heart-healthy eating plan can help you reduce your cholesterol and maintain a healthy body weight, both of which are important in the prevention of heart disease. Nutrition counseling provides individual consultations with a nutritionist designed to create a healthy eating plan that is right for you. The nutritionist will review your blood lipid profile, discuss your current eating patterns and provide you with educational materials on foods that will lower your cardiovascular disease risk.

Pacemaker Assessment and Reprogramming

Pacemakers are tiny devices that keep the heart beating properly. They must be periodically assessed and reprogrammed to ensure proper function.

Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment

Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) focuses on reducing symptoms and preventing further progression of the disease. In most cases, lifestyle changes, exercise and claudication medications are enough to slow the progression or even reverse the symptoms of PAD.

Peripheral Stent Placement

Peripheral stenting is one common treatment option for treating Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). A small incision is made in the patient's groin or arm, and a catheter is inserted. A stent is then inserted through the catheter. The doctor navigates the stent to the site of vessel narrowing. The stent is then expanded, and blood flows more easily through the blood vessel.

Stress Testing

Stress testing (usually with ECG; also called treadmill or exercise ECG) is a test that is given while a patient walks on a treadmill or pedals a stationary bike to monitor the heart during exercise. Breathing and blood pressure rates are also monitored. A stress test may be used to detect coronary artery disease, and/or to determine safe levels of exercise following a heart attack or heart surgery.

Tilt Table Testing

A tilt table procedure is a diagnostic procedure that may be used to evaluate a person who has symptoms of syncope (fainting). When a person has a complaint of syncope, the physician will carefully evaluate the person's past medical history and perform a physical examination. If basic components of the examination or history do not reveal a potential cause for the syncope, and the person has no history of heart disease, then further diagnostic procedures will be scheduled.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound, also called sonography, is a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.