Interventional cardiology
Subspecialty of cardiology focused on catheter-based treatment of cardiovascular disease, including angioplasty, stenting, and structural heart interventions.
Full Definition
Interventional cardiology is a subspecialty within cardiology that uses catheter-based techniques to diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases. The field encompasses percutaneous coronary interventions (angioplasty and stenting), structural heart disease interventions (valve replacements, septal defect closures), and peripheral vascular interventions. Interventional cardiologists perform procedures in cardiac catheterization laboratories using fluoroscopic guidance and specialized equipment. The specialty has evolved rapidly with advances in device technology, imaging techniques, and minimally invasive approaches. Training requires completion of general cardiology fellowship followed by additional subspecialty fellowship in interventional cardiology.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from cardiac surgery which involves open surgical procedures.
In Context
- "The patient was referred to interventional cardiology for primary percutaneous coronary intervention." — Emergency medicine referral
- "Recent advances in interventional cardiology have made transcatheter aortic valve replacement a viable option for high-risk surgical patients." — Medical review article