Interventional Cardiology Tests
Tests for Interventional Cardiology helps ensure patient safety, procedure efficacy, and comprehensive care planning. various tests and checks ensure that the procedures are safe and effective for patients.
1. Diagnostic and Pre-Procedural Tests:
Electrocardiogram (ECG):
Performed before any interventional procedure to identify potential risks.
Echocardiography:
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): Standard non-invasive echo to evaluate heart function and structure.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): Provides clearer images by inserting a probe down the esophagus, used for assessing valve function and planning interventions like TAVR.
Blood Test
Troponin Levels: Detects heart muscle damage and helps confirm a heart attack.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Checks for anemia or infection risks.
Kidney Function Tests: Assesses creatinine levels to ensure safe use of contrast agents during procedures.
Coagulation Panel: Evaluates blood clotting ability to minimize bleeding risks.
2. Coronary Artery Assessment:
Coronary Angiography:
For visualizing blockages in the coronary arteries, a catheter is inserted and contrast dye is injected to highlight the arteries under X-ray imaging.
to determines the location and severity of blockages to guide intervention.
CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA):
Suitable for patients with intermediate risk or as an alternative to invasive angiography.
3. Functional and Pressure Tests:
Cardiac Stress Test:
Assesses blood flow and detects areas of reduced blood supply under stress conditions. To find if coronary artery disease is present and evaluates the need for interventions.
Fractional Flow Reserve
A special wire is used to determine the significance of a lesion.
4. Intravascular Imaging:
Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS):
Helps assess plaque characteristics and ensure precise stent placement
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
High-resolution imaging to visualize the arterial walls in detail & detects stent deployment issues and identifies areas needing further intervention.
5. Advanced Imaging Techniques:
Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
Complements other diagnostic tests for complex cases or congenital heart conditions.
