Interventional Cardiology in Athens, GA

When Interventional Cardiology Is Needed

Your provider may recommend an interventional procedure if you are experiencing symptoms or conditions such as:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Coronary artery disease (blocked or narrowed arteries)
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Structural heart concerns

These procedures are often used when medications or lifestyle changes alone are not enough to manage your condition.

Faster, Life-Saving Care for Heart Attacks

When a heart attack occurs, time is critical. Interventional cardiology allows our team to quickly open blocked arteries and restore blood flow, helping to reduce heart damage and improve survival.

At St. Mary’s, you can expect your team to do the following, as soon as we know you are on your way to our facility:

• You will be rapidly routed to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab
• EMS teams will begin coordinating your care before arrival
• Cardiologists are alerted to your arrival in advance to minimize delays
• Your Treatment will begin as quickly as possible, day or night

Reducing the time between arrival and treatment, often called “door-to-device time,” plays a vital role in saving lives and improving outcomes.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Heart Procedures

Interventional cardiology offers several important advantages compared to traditional surgery:

• Smaller incisions, often just a needle entry point
• Shorter hospital stays, sometimes same-day discharge
• Faster recovery, often within days instead of weeks
• Less discomfort during recovery
• Reduced risk of complications

Many patients can return to normal activities much sooner via these methods of treatment than with open-heart surgery.

A Connected Approach to Heart Care

Interventional cardiology is one part of a larger, coordinated system of care at St. Mary’s. Your treatment is connected to:

• Diagnostic testing and imaging
• Emergency heart attack care
• Heart failure management programs
• Stroke and vascular care
• Long-term prevention and rehabilitation

This integrated approach ensures you receive continuous, personalized care at every stage.

Learn More About Our Cardiology Program

Interventional Cardiology Procedures We Offer

Our team performs a range of advanced procedures in our state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab), designed to restore blood flow and improve heart function.

• Cardiac Catheterization: Cardiac catheterization is often the first step in diagnosing heart conditions. During this procedure, a catheter is guided through a blood vessel to the heart to evaluate blood flow and identify blockages.
• Balloon Angioplasty: Angioplasty is used to open narrowed or blocked arteries. A small balloon is inflated inside the artery to compress plaque and restore blood flow.
• Stent Placement: In many cases, a small mesh tube called a stent is placed in the artery to help keep it open after angioplasty and reduce the risk of future blockages.
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): PCI is a commonly used procedure that combines angioplasty and stent placement to treat coronary artery disease and improve blood flow to the heart.
• Peripheral Artery Interventions: Interventional procedures can also treat circulation issues outside the heart, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), helping improve blood flow to the limbs.
• Structural Heart Procedures: Some catheter-based procedures can repair structural issues within the heart, such as congenital defects or valve-related conditions.

Learn More about Cardiac & Vascular Services Visit our Electrophysiology Lab

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Your St. Mary's care team will guide you through every step of your procedure so you feel prepared and supported throughout the entire process.

In general, you can expect:

• A minimally invasive procedure performed in the Cath Lab
• Mild sedation to help keep you comfortable
• Continuous monitoring of your heart and vital signs
• A short recovery period before returning home or to your room

After your procedure, your provider will review your results with you and explain any next steps in your care. If you have any questions throughout your procedure, your team will be more than happy to answer any questions or help alleviate your concerns every step of the way.

Recovery and Follow-Up Care

Recovery from interventional cardiology procedures is typically faster than traditional surgery, but follow-up care is still an important part of your journey.

Your care plan may include:

• Follow-up visits with your cardiologist and care team
• Medications to support your heart health
• Lifestyle recommendations for long-term prevention
• Cardiac rehabilitation to rebuild strength and confidence

Learn More About Our Cardiac Rehab Program