Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Interventional Cardiology
A subspecialty focused on catheter-based treatments for congenital and acquired heart diseases.
Full Definition
Interventional cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology that uses catheter-based procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases. In the context of congenital heart disease, interventional cardiologists perform procedures such as balloon angioplasty, device closure of septal defects, and stent placement. These minimally invasive techniques often serve as alternatives to open-heart surgery or as bridge procedures. The field has revolutionized treatment approaches for many congenital heart defects, offering less invasive options with shorter recovery times.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize when referring to the formal subspecialty or department.
In Context
- "The interventional cardiology team successfully deployed a septal occluder device." — procedure report
- "Advances in interventional cardiology have reduced the need for surgical repair in selected patients." — review article
Also known as
catheter-based cardiology
invasive cardiology
Contrasted with
non-invasive cardiology
Don't confuse with
cardiac surgery
electrophysiology