Investigations, Surgery & Treatments

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Cardiac Investigations, Surgery & Treatments

Our Cardiac Team recognise the anxiety caused by cardiac-related symptoms and therefore the need for a prompt and efficient service.

Angiogram

An angiogram is probably the most definitive test to detect how the blood flows along the blood vessels: veins and arteries. It will detect a blockage and the extent of the problem as well as the direction of the blood flow. Combined with a doppler ultrasound, it can be used to test the efficiency of each chamber of the heart; the heart valve function; as well as the heart wall. The volume and extent of the blood pumping out through the heart can also be measured in this way. This gives the cardiologist a definitive picture of the patient's heart condition, which enables expert decisions to be made as to the most effective treatment for the patient's well being.

Myocardial perfusion Imaging

Myocardial perfusion imaging is a procedure that lets the heart specialist study the flow of blood to the heart muscle, and to measure the efficiency and performance of the heart muscle. This also enables the cardiologist to examine the efficiency of each individual chamber of the heart; as well as the whole heart; and the efficiency and extent of leakage in heart valves.

The cardiologist can determine:

If your heart is receiving enough blood
If you have coronary artery disease (CAD)
If more tests are necessary

Myocardial perfusion imaging may be done before and / or after heart treatments.

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Spirometry (Pulmonary Function Testing)

Spirometry (also called pulmonary function testing) is an important test of lung function that is used to diagnose pulmonary disease; assess its severity; and follow its progress. A spirometry machine includes a large tube through which you breathe. Spirometry is also used to test for asthma and other lung diseases.

Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe in and out. When you have pulmonary disease, it takes longer to exhale, so you can't breathe the same amount of air in and out as a person of the same age who does not have pulmonary disease.

Once pulmonary disease is diagnosed, spirometry is repeated periodically to see if lung function improves as a result of treatment or smoking cessation. Spirometry can also keep track of how fast lung function is declining. These measurements indicate the severity of your disease.

Stent

A compressed platinum spring - similar in shape and size to that found in a biro pen - is inserted into a blocked artery or vein. The stent is then forced open allowing the blood to flow normally through the blockage.

Stents are commonly used to keep blood vessels open in the coronary arteries; into the oesophagus because of strictures or cancer; the ureters to maintain drainage from the kidneys; or the bile duct for pancreatic cancer or cholangiocarcinoma.

In the case of a blocked artery, the cardiologist will first carry out an angiogram examination (catheterisation) to asses the extent of the stenosis or blockage. The crushed stent is then inserted through a tube - usually inserted in the thigh area (laparoscopic procedure) up into the blocked artery near the heart during the angiogram. The stent is then expanded by a balloon (balloon dilatation) that runs through the centre of the crushed stent. The stent then expands inside the blockage releasing the constricted blood supply.

It is possible to place a stent within a stent and a number of stents may be inserted during one catheterisation procedure. Modern stents are platinum coated so they are not susceptible to re-furring or blocking up.

Pacemaker Insertion

A pacemaker is an electronic device that produces an electrical current to stimulate regular contractions of the heart muscle. The pacemaker's generator and batteries are placed under the skin.

This enables people with heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia) to lead normal lives.

Balloon Dilatation

Non operative repair of occluded vessels, ducts, or valves by insertion of a balloon catheter.

It is used to treat varices, torn retinas, renal and biliary calculi, gastric, bronchial and rectal stenoses, and heart valves, and includes catheterisation with fogarty and foley catheters.

Aortic Valve

The aortic valve lets blood flow from the heart's left ventricle into the aorta. It opens during a ventricular contraction and then closes to prohibit the backwash of oxygenated blood from the aorta into the ventricle. (The aorta is the main artery and distributes oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.) If the valve is leaking or not functioning correctly it can be repaired or replaced with either a mechanical or natural valve. Its condition can be evaluated with some simple heart and lung function tests carried out during a consultation with the cardiologist.

Mitral valve

The Mitral valve divides the left atrium and the left ventricle. During left arterial contraction, the mitral valve opens to allow blood to flow into the left ventricle. When it is closed, it prohibits regurgitation of blood back into the left atrium. If the valve is not fully functioning or leaking it can be repaired or replaced with either a mechanical or natural valve. Its condition can be evaluated with some simple heart and lung function tests carried out during a consultation with the cardiologist.