Patient Information --> Medical and Surgical Information --> Diagnostic Testing and Intervention --> Interventions

Based upon the testing that is performed, a procedure or surgery may be recommended by your doctor. This section provides an overview of these possible options.

Coronary angioplasty: This procedure opens blocked coronary arteries, letting blood flow more freely to your heart. Doctors insert a long, thin tube (catheter) to the blocked artery in your heart. This catheter has a special balloon tip. Once in the right spot, the balloon tip is briefly inflated to open up the blockage. The plaque blocking the artery is pressed against the sides of the artery making the lumen larger for blood to flow through. At the same time, a metal mesh (stent) may be placed into the artery to keep it open long-term. Coronary angioplasty may be done at the same time as a coronary catheterization (angiogram).

Coronary artery bypass surgery: Bypass surgery involves sewing veins or arteries in place at a site beyond a blocked or narrowed coronary artery. This creates a bypass around the narrowed section and restores blood flow to the heart. Your doctor may suggest that you have this procedure after your heart has had time to recover from a heart attack.

Heart valve surgery or repair: Heart valve replacement may be recommended for valves that are too narrow (stenotic) or are leaking (regurgitation). Valve problems may be caused by infections such as rheumatic fever, birth defects, calcification, or certain medications such as Fen-Phen. Defective valves may cause heart failure and can become infected. Valves may be repaired or replaced. Replacement heart valves are either natural (biologic) or artificial (mechanical).