The field of invasive cardiology focuses on the use of catheter-based approaches to manage cardiac disorders in a minimally invasive manner. Catheters are slender medical devices that are inserted into the body to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. King's Cardiology Department provides a range of interventional procedures as part of its services.
CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY- we conduct coronary angiography without causing pain, through either the wrist or leg, and often as a day procedure, with patients being able to move around within a few hours. This diagnostic test is used to identify significant narrowings in any of the three coronary arteries and develop a strategy for ongoing treatment.
CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY/STENT - If we detect a noteworthy narrowing in a coronary blood vessel during coronary angiography, the next course of action is typically a coronary intervention. This procedure, also known as coronary angioplasty, is carried out to open up obstructed heart arteries by inserting a stent (a small metal tube) into the affected area to keep it open.
PACEMAKER IMPLANTATION - A device called a pacemaker is typically implanted just below the collarbone to regulate electrical issues that can cause the heart to beat too slowly. It may be recommended to avoid a potentially dangerous reduction in heart rate.
IMPLANTABLE CARDIAC DEFIBRILLATOR (ICD) - Similar to the pacemaker described earlier, this device is also implanted in the body and is designed to correct and halt most life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. It may be recommended following a heart attack or in cases of advanced heart failure.
INTRA-VASCULAR ULTRASOUND (IVUS) - During angiography, a diagnostic ultrasound test called intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is performed to visualize the inside of blood vessels using sound waves. It is particularly beneficial in evaluating the coronary arteries that provide blood to the heart.
FRACTIONAL FLOW RESERVE (FFR) - Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a method employed in coronary angiography to precisely determine whether the narrowing in the blood vessel is significant enough to require a stent or if medication can be used instead. Recent studies have indicated that this technique reduces the necessity for stent placement.
INTRAVASCULAR LITHOTRIPSY (IVL) - We provide a cutting-edge treatment at King’s that utilizes lithotripsy, a sound wave-based approach to break up kidney stones, for severely calcified coronary arteries. This innovative technique is offered by only a handful of providers in the UAE.
IABP INSERTION - In the event of a heart attack, if a patient experiences heart failure and a drop in blood pressure leading to a critical situation, an emergency procedure known as IABP insertion may be required as an adjunct to coronary angioplasty. This involves implanting a device through the groin for a few days to support blood pressure and facilitate a speedy recovery after a severe heart attack.
