At Heart & Vascular Specialists DFW, our interventional cardiology services are designed to diagnose and treat complex heart conditions using minimally invasive techniques. Through cardiac catheterization, our specialists can evaluate coronary arteries, heart function, and blood flow — often allowing diagnosis and treatment in the same procedure.
Our goal is to restore blood flow, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of serious cardiac events using advanced technology and expert care.
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin and guided to the heart. Using contrast dye and X-ray imaging, cardiologists can identify narrowed or blocked coronary arteries and assess heart function.
In many cases, treatment such as angioplasty or stent placement can be performed during the same procedure.
For patients experiencing a heart attack (STEMI), rapid intervention is critical. Our interventional cardiologists perform emergency catheterization and coronary intervention to restore blood flow to the heart muscle and limit damage.
Angioplasty uses a small balloon to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. A stent is often placed to help keep the artery open and improve long-term blood flow, reducing chest pain and heart attack risk.
For patients with severe heart failure or cardiogenic shock, mechanical circulatory support may be needed. We utilize advanced ventricular support devices such as:
Impella® heart pump
Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)
These devices help support the heart’s pumping function during high-risk procedures or recovery.
For complex or heavily calcified coronary artery disease, we offer advanced PCI techniques, including:
Atherectomy – removal of hardened plaque
Laser therapy – vaporization of plaque to restore blood flow
Intravascular lithotripsy – shockwave therapy to break up calcium deposits
These techniques allow treatment of challenging blockages that cannot be managed with standard angioplasty alone.
These procedures may be used to diagnose or treat:
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Heart attack (STEMI and NSTEMI)
Severe or unstable angina
Blocked or narrowed coronary arteries
Cardiogenic shock
High-risk or complex coronary lesions
While each procedure is individualized, patients can generally expect:
Local anesthesia and mild sedation
Catheter insertion through the wrist or groin
Continuous monitoring of heart rhythm and blood pressure
Recovery time ranging from several hours to overnight observation
Your cardiologist will review results and next steps following the procedure.
