Interventional Cardiology

Interventional cardiology is a medical specialty that uses advanced tools and techniques to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Zia Khan, MD, FACC, FSCAI, offers interventional cardiology services at Desert Cardiovascular Consultants in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dr. Khan is an experienced cardiology specialist dedicated to providing interventions that solve his patients’ problems. Call today or book an appointment online to learn more about interventional cardiology.

What is the difference between cardiology and interventional cardiology?

Interventional cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology. Cardiology is an area of medicine that specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. Interventional cardiology uses catheters and special tools to diagnose and treat these conditions.

Catheters are devices the interventional cardiologist inserts into a blood vessel and then advances it to the area needing an evaluation or treatment. 

Interventional cardiology procedures are less invasive than traditional open surgery.

I have coronary artery disease. Do I need interventional cardiology?

Desert Cardiovascular Consultants is a full-service cardiology practice. They diagnose and treat all types of heart and vascular diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD). 

Before making any treatment recommendations, Dr. Khan does a thorough evaluation that may include diagnostic cardiology testing to determine the best course of action for your CAD, narrowing, or blockages in the arteries in the heart.

If your CAD is severe, he may recommend an interventional cardiology procedure to improve blood flow through the heart. Dr. Khan also uses interventional cardiology to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD), narrowing or blockages in the peripheral arteries (arteries in the arms and legs).

What are interventional cardiology procedures?

Interventional cardiology uses catheters to perform diagnostic tests and procedures. Some of the interventional cardiology tests and procedures performed at Desert Cardiovascular Consultants include:

Angiography

Angiography is a type of X-ray that uses a contrast dye to evaluate the movement of blood through your blood vessels.

Intravascular ultrasound

Intravascular ultrasound is an advanced diagnostic test that uses a catheter to insert a tiny ultrasound wand into a blood vessel and then advance it to the heart or vascular system, allowing Dr. Khan to see inside the heart or blood vessel.

Angioplasty and stenting

For angioplasty and stenting, Dr. Khan uses a catheter to advance a deflated balloon to a narrowed or blocked artery and inflate it to open the blood vessel. He then places a stent (metal mesh) to keep the blood vessel open.

Atherectomy

Atherectomy is a procedure that removes plaque from the walls of the arteries.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure

PFO is a hole in the heart that you’re born with. PFO closure uses catheters and a closure device to close the hole.

Venous stenting

Venous stenting opens blocked deep veins.

Desert Cardiovascular Consultants is a one-stop shop for all your cardiovascular needs. Call today or schedule a consultation using the online booking tool.