The interventional cardiology program at Yale New Haven Health is led by an expert team of physicians experienced in diagnosing and treating patients with structural heart disease, and complex and advanced coronary artery and peripheral vascular diseases.
Our interventional cardiologists perform more than procedures on patients of all ages from around the world in advanced cardiac catheterization laboratories. They continually search for better minimally invasive methods for diagnosing and treating patients with narrowed blood vessels and complex valve disease.
These methods include innovative intracoronary and peripheral stent platforms, drug-coated balloons, and novel techniques and devices. The goals for the interventional team include providing comprehensive cardiac care to patients with complex and advanced atherosclerotic and valve disease, thereby improving patient outcomes. Further supporting our patient care is a robust research program that includes nationally recognized clinical trials.
Among the many procedures offered are:
Our Comprehensive Coronary Physiology Program provides care for patients with chest pain that is chronic, unexplained or difficult to manage. Many patients experience chest pain due to coronary microvascular disease, coronary vasospasm, endothelial dysfunction, or myocardial bridging that may go undetected on routine evaluation such as stress testing. This program provides comprehensive evaluation to identify a patient’s underlying cause of symptoms. For more information, please call 203-785-4129.
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is an electronic device that helps regulate electrical problems with the heart. Implanted just below the collarbone, the ICD monitors the heart's electrical activity. In the case of an irregular heartbeat, it will respond with either anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) or shock therapy to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. An ICD can also record and store information about your heart rhythm and any therapies the ICD has delivered for your physician to review.
This test is used to diagnose and treat heart conditions. A flexible tube, or catheter, is inserted into a blood vessel through the arm, groin or neck and threaded to the heart. Through the catheter, doctors can perform diagnostic tests and treatments. Dye may be injected into the catheter so that an X-ray can be used to see whether plaque has narrowed or blocked any arteries. An ultrasound catheter may be inserted inside the heart artery so the vessel can be seen from the inside.
This procedure records the electrical activity and electrical pathways of the heart to determine the cause of arrhythmias (heart rhythm disturbances). During an EP study, a flexible tube, or catheter, is inserted through a blood vessel in the groin and threaded into the heart. An X-ray is used to guide the catheter. Once in the heart, electrical signals are sent through the catheter to evaluate the electrical conduction system within the heart muscle tissue.
During angioplasty, blood flow to the heart is restored by inserting and inflating a balloon-tipped catheter through the groin and into a blocked artery. A stent (small wire cage) may be inserted to keep the artery open. By quickly restoring blood flow, damage to the heart is minimized.
This small electronic device is implanted in the chest (just below the collarbone) to help regulate electrical problems within the heart. When a problem develops, such as a slow heart rate, a pacemaker may be recommended to help the heart beat at a normal speed. Pacemaker insertion is usually done on an outpatient basis with moderate sedation and local anesthetic.
The Heart and Vascular Center (HVC) offers transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as a treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis. This procedure is offered at both Bridgeport and Yale New Haven hospital. TAVR typically offers a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery and provides doctors with a new option to treat patients who are at increased risk for open-heart surgery.
Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center is the first and only healthcare system in Connecticut to be certified by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for transcatheter valve replacement procedures, offered at Bridgeport and Yale New Haven hospitals. Certification is based on established national clinical measures to support clinical decisions and links process improvement to patient outcomes. Our integrated team specializes in treating the most complex cases and contributes to the field of transcatheter valve replacement through innovative research.
Signs of heart attack include the most common symptoms, such as chest pain or pain radiating down an arm, often the left arm. However, heart attack symptoms can also feel like gas or heartburn. Symptoms in women are often even more vague.
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Yale New Haven Health is proud to be affiliated with the prestigious Yale University and its highly ranked Yale School of Medicine.
