Below are common Cardiovascular Tests and Procedures
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is done to treat an aneurysm. An aneurysm is a bulging, weak spot in the aorta that may be at risk for rupturing. In this case, the aneurysm is in part of the aorta that is in the abdomen.
- Amputation
An amputation is the surgical removal of a all or part of an arm or leg due to injury, infection, or injury.
- Angioplasty and Stent Placement for the Heart
Angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a procedure used to open blocked coronary arteries (caused by coronary artery disease) and restore blood flow to the heart muscle without open-heart surgery.
- Blood Test
You may need regular blood tests to keep track of how well you and your doctor are managing a condition such as diabetes or high cholesterol.
- Cardiac Catheterization
In cardiac catheterization (often called cardiac cath), a very small hollow tube, or catheter, is advanced from a blood vessel in the groin or arm through the aorta into the heart. Once it is in place, several diagnostic and treatment procedures can be done using catheterization.
- Carotid Artery Duplex Scan
A carotid artery duplex scan is an imaging test to look at how blood flows through the carotid arteries in your neck.
- Carotid Endarterectomy
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a treatment for carotid artery disease. The carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that carry oxygen and blood to the brain. In carotid artery disease, these arteries become narrowed. This reduces blood flow to the brain and could cause a stroke.
- Catheter Ablation
This procedure guides a tube into your heart to destroy small areas of heart tissue that may be causing your abnormal heartbeat.
- Chest X-Ray
A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help your health care provider see how well your lungs and heart are working. Certain heart problems can cause changes in your lungs. Certain diseases can cause changes in the structure of the heart or lungs.
- Computed Tomography Angiography
CT angiography is a type of medical exam that combines a CT scan with an injection of a special dye to produce pictures of blood vessels and tissues in a part of your body.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a procedure used to treat coronary artery disease. One way to treat the blocked or narrowed arteries is to bypass the blocked portion of the coronary artery with a piece of a healthy blood vessel from elsewhere in the body.
- CT Scan of the Chest
CT scan is a type of imaging test. It uses X-rays and computer technology to make images or slices of the body. A CT scan can make detailed pictures of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. They are more detailed than regular X-rays.
- Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure that may be used when a doctor wants to assess the heart muscle under stress. If exercise on a treadmill is not an option (too much stress on the heart) due to a person’s medical condition, a doctor may use an intravenous medication called dobutamine. Dobutamine causes the heart to beat faster and will mimic the effects of exercise on the heart.
- Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the heart’s function and structures.
- Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out.
- Electrophysiological Studies
An electrophysiologic study uses small, thin wire electrodes placed directly on the heart to evaluate you for an abnormal heart rhythm.
- Endovenous Laser Varicose Vein Surgery
Endovenous laser varicose vein surgery is a procedure that uses heat from a laser to reduce varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen, bulging veins that often happen on the thighs or calves. A laser is a device that sends a thin beam of radiation in the form of light.
- Exercise Echocardiogram
An exercise echocardiogram is a procedure in which ultrasound, or sound wave technology, is used to asses the heart’s response to stress or exercise.
- Exercise Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. For this test, electrodes (small, plastic patches that stick to the skin) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out.
- Femoral Popliteal Bypass Surgery
Femoral popliteal bypass surgery is used to treat blocked femoral artery. The femoral artery is the largest artery in the thigh. It supplies oxygen-rich blood to the leg. Blockage is due to plaque buildup or atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis in the leg arteries causes peripheral vascular disease. The same process causes heart disease and stroke.
- Heart Transplant
A heart transplant is surgery done to remove the diseased heart from a person and replace it with a healthy one from an organ donor.
- Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery
Heart valve repair or replacement surgery is a treatment option for valvular heart disease. When heart valves become damaged or diseased, they may not function properly. Conditions which may cause heart valve dysfunction are valvular stenosis and valvular insufficiency (regurgitation).
- Holter Monitor
The Holter monitor is a type of electrocardiogram (ECG) used to record an ECG tracing of the heart continuously for 24 hours or longer.
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillaltor (ICD) Insertion
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small electronic device used to continuously monitor and help regulate potentially fast and life-threatening electrical problems with the heart.
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Magnetic resonance angiography or MRA is a type of imaging test that allows a doctor to look at the body’s blood vessels.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Heart
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a large magnet, radio signals, and a computer to make images of organs and tissue in the body. In this case, the heart is imaged. MRI may be used instead of a CT scan when organs or soft tissues are being studied.
- Pacemaker Insertion
A pacemaker is a small electronic device that helps regulate slow electrical problems in the heart. The pacemaker is usually implanted in the chest, just below the collarbone. A pacemaker may be recommended to keep the heartbeat from slowing down to a dangerously low rate.
- Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, stenting and atherectomy are minimally invasive procedures that restore blood flow when arteries are clogged due to peripheral artery disease.
- Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting and Exercise
A resting and exercise radionuclide angiogram (RNA) is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a tracer, is used to help show the tissue under study. In this case, the heart’s chambers in motion are studied. This test can tell the doctor how well the heart pumps with each heartbeat and how much blood is pumped with each heartbeat (called the ejection fraction) both during exercise and at rest.
- Resting Myocardial Perfusion Scan
Myocardial perfusion is an imaging test. It’s also called a nuclear stress test. It is done to show how well blood flows through the heart muscle. It also shows how well the heart muscle is pumping. For example, after a heart attack, it may be done to find areas of damaged heart muscle. This test may be done during rest and while you exercise.
- Resting Radionuclide Angiogram
Resting RNA is a nuclear medicine procedure in which a tiny amount of radioactive tracer is injected and recorded as it moves through the heart. This test helps doctors evaluate how well the heart pumps and how much blood is pumped with each beat.
- Right Heart Catheterization
Right heart catheterization allows a surgeon to use a small, thin hollow tube called a catheter to examine your heart.
- Right Heart Catheterization with Heart Tissue Biopsy
In a right-heart catheterization with heart tissue biopsy, your doctor takes tissue samples directly from your heart muscle.
- Robotic Cardiac Surgery
Robotic cardiac surgery is a form of heart surgery done through very small incisions in the chest, tiny instruments, and a robotic device operated by a surgeon.
- Stress Myocardial Perfusion Scan
Myocardial perfusion is an imaging test. It’s also called a nuclear stress test. It is done to show how well blood flows through the heart muscle. It also shows how well the heart muscle is pumping. For example, after a heart attack, it may be done to find areas of damaged heart muscle. This test may be done during rest and while you exercise.
- Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a procedure to correct an aneurysm in the upper portion of your aorta. An aneurysm is a weakened, bulging area in the artery wall. If it ruptures, it can be life threatening. In TEVAR, a graft made of metal and polyester is positioned to reinforce the aneurysm. This will help prevent it from rupturing.
- Tilt Table Procedure
A tilt table procedure is a test done to evaluate symptoms of syncope (fainting). If you have syncope, the doctor will carefully evaluate your past medical history and perform a physical exam. If the results of the exam or history do not show a cause for the syncope, and you have no history of heart disease, then further test may be scheduled.
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) uses echocardiography to assess how well the heart works. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed at certain locations and angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move through the skin and other body tissues to the heart tissues, where the waves bounce or “echo” off of the heart structures.
- Ultrafast CT Scan
An ultrafast CT scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to look at your heart. The scan takes pictures very quickly. It gives your healthcare provider many details about your heart that other imaging tests cannot.
- Valvuloplasty
Valvuloplasty is a procedure done to repair stenotic (stiff) heart valve. It is done using a catheter and small incisions.
- Vascular Studies
Vascular studies use ultrasound (sound wave) technology to assess the flow of blood in arteries and veins in the arms, legs, and neck.
- Venogram
A venogram is a test that lets your healthcare provider see the veins in your body, especially in your legs. A special dye is injected that can been seen on an X-ray. The dye lets your healthcare provider see your veins and how healthy they are.
