Interventional Cardiology

Interventional Cardiology

Baptist Health interventional cardiologists perform thousands of procedures each year, consistently exceeding national standards for the quick treatment of blocked arteries. Your heart is in expert, experienced hands.

Why Choose Baptist Health for Interventional Cardiology Care

When your heart health is on the line, Baptist Health offers the experience, innovation, and rapid response that make a life-saving difference. Our interventional cardiology team includes some of the most skilled physicians in the region, performing thousands of minimally invasive procedures each year using state-of-the-art technology. We operate with a patient-first philosophy, offering 24/7 access to cardiac catheterization labs and consistently surpassing national standards for emergency heart care. Our ability to quickly diagnose and treat complex heart conditions — often without the need for open surgery — means you benefit from faster recoveries, fewer complications, and exceptional outcomes. At Baptist Health, your heart is in the hands of experts who are always ready to deliver care when every second counts.

Note: Interventional cardiology procedures focus on treating coronary artery disease and structural heart conditions. If your condition involves heart rhythm disorders or peripheral vascular disease, your care may involve specialists in electrophysiology or interventional radiology, respectively. We’ll guide you to the right expert every step of the way.

Why Choose Baptist Health for Interventional Cardiology Care

Our Approach

Whenever possible, our specialists use minimally invasive and robotic procedures that reduce pain, lower complication risk, and get you back to your life faster. Working closely with our structural heart team, we tailor each treatment to the patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. Our procedures are performed in state-of-the-art endovascular suites, equipped with:

  • Intravascular ultrasound
  • Hemodynamic physiologic testing
  • Advanced cardiac and vascular analytics

From TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) to Mitral Valve Clip to robotic-assisted surgery, you can trust that you’ll receive the most advanced treatment available—delivered with precision and compassion.

Our Approach

By the Numbers: Interventional Cardiology

Under 0 minutes

Door-to-balloon time under 90 minutes is the national benchmark for emergency angioplasty. At Baptist Health, we consistently surpass this standard, helping to reduce mortality and preserve heart function.

0%

Over 70% of coronary interventions in the U.S. are now performed via radial artery access — a method that reduces bleeding complications and speeds recovery.

#0

Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death in the U.S., but timely interventional cardiology procedures can reduce death rates by over 30%.

0-70%

Drug-eluting stents, widely used at Baptist Health, reduce restenosis (re-narrowing) rates by 50-70% compared to bare-metal stents.

Meet Our Interventional Cardiologists

Baptist Health interventional cardiologists perform thousands of procedures each year. Learn more about our physicians.

What is Interventional Cardiology?

Interventional cardiology uses minimally invasive procedures to open clogged arteries and repair damaged or weakened blood vessels, narrowed arteries and other affected heart structures. Interventional cardiologists use thin, flexible tubes called catheters to deliver diagnostic tools or treatments to areas of concern in and around the heart.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety and prepare you for a smooth experience. Most interventional cardiology procedures are performed in a cardiac catheterization lab and typically do not require open-heart surgery. Here’s what you can expect:

  • A pre-procedure consultation and cardiac imaging
  • Sedation or local anesthesia for comfort
  • A small incision, often in the wrist or groin, to insert a catheter
  • Real-time imaging guidance for precision treatment
  • Shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery

Our team will walk you through every step and provide detailed instructions to support a successful recovery.

Benefits of Interventional Cardiology

Interventional cardiology offers a less invasive approach to diagnosing and treating heart conditions, often providing faster recovery and fewer complications than traditional surgery. Key benefits include:

  • Minimally invasive procedures using catheters rather than large surgical incisions
  • Faster recovery times, with many patients returning home within 24–48 hours
  • Lower risk of infection and reduced bleeding
  • No need for general anesthesia in many cases
  • Shorter hospital stays and fewer follow-up procedures
  • Effective treatment for a wide range of heart conditions, including blocked arteries, valve issues, and congenital defects

These benefits make interventional cardiology an ideal option for many patients, especially those who may not be candidates for open-heart surgery.

Difference Between Interventional Cardiology and Surgery

Both interventional cardiology and heart surgery treat serious heart conditions, but they differ in how procedures are performed and how patients recover:

  • Interventional cardiology uses thin, flexible catheters inserted through small incisions (typically in the wrist or groin) to open blocked arteries, repair valves, or close heart defects. These procedures are performed in a cardiac catheterization (cath) lab and often do not require general anesthesia.
  • Cardiac surgery, such as open-heart surgery, involves larger incisions in the chest and typically requires the heart-lung machine, general anesthesia, and longer hospital stays and recovery periods.

Interventional cardiology is ideal for patients needing less invasive care, while surgery may be recommended for more complex or advanced heart conditions. At Baptist Health, our specialists collaborate closely to determine the best approach for each patient—offering the most advanced care tailored to individual needs.

I had the best doctors, the best care, everyone I interacted with shared the same values: being thorough, compassionate, and striving for excellence. I saw many other patients receiving the same care that I did.
Every nurse, even the person who cleans the floors, is so attentive. On a scale from 1 to 10, Baptist Health is a 10—they’re magnificent all around.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Interventional cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology that uses minimally invasive, catheter-based techniques to diagnose and treat heart and vascular conditions.

    Instead of large incisions, specialists use thin, flexible tubes (catheters) inserted into blood vessels to access the heart. This approach often results in faster recovery and fewer risks compared to open surgery.

  • Interventional cardiologists perform a wide range of interventional procedures, including:

    • Coronary angioplasty and stenting
    • Drug-coated balloon angioplasty
    • Coronary atherectomy (including rotational, laser and intravascular lithotripsy)
    • Treatment of complex coronary artery disease, including chronic total occlusions and left main disease
    • Intravascular imaging and physiology testing
    • Evaluation and treatment of coronary microvascular disease

  • Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup.

    Reduced blood flow can lead to symptoms such as chest pain (angina) and may result in a heart attack.

  • Interventional cardiologists treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions, including:

  • A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small opening between the upper chambers of the heart that does not close after birth.

    Many people do not need treatment. In some cases, a PFO may be associated with stroke. When appropriate, it can be closed using a minimally invasive procedure.

  • You should seek care if you experience symptoms such as:

    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fatigue
    • Fainting
    • Heart palpitations
    • Swelling in the legs

    These symptoms may indicate problems with blood flow or heart function. If symptoms are sudden or severe, call 911.

  • Interventional procedures are generally very safe and are often preferred because they are less invasive than open surgery.

    All medical procedures carry some risk, but your care team takes precautions to prioritize safety and carefully evaluates whether this approach is right for you.

  • Most procedures are performed with light sedation or anesthesia.

    A catheter is typically inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin. After the procedure, you may need to lie flat for a short period. Many patients are able to walk the same day and go home the same day or the next morning.

Our Locations

Cardiology | Miami Beach
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Cardiology | Miami Beach

709 Alton Rd., Ste. 440, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Interventional Radiology l Kendall (504W)
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Interventional Radiology l Kendall (504W)

8950 North Kendall Dr., Ste. 504W, Miami, FL 33176

The Baptist Health Cardiology Difference

Your heart health is our priority. Whether you're managing a condition or looking to prevent one, our expert cardiology team is here to guide you every step of the way. We provide compassionate, personalized care, backed by the latest research and innovative treatments—to help you live a longer, healthier life.

The Baptist Health Cardiology Difference

News & Podcasts

News

View All
Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute Names Carlos E. Alfonso, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, Director of Chronic Total Obstruction and Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention March 31, 2025

MIAMI, FL – March 31, 2025 – Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute has named interventional cardiologist Carlos E. Alfonso, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, director of chronic total obstruction and...

Interventional Cardiologist: Catheter-based Procedures Enable Minimal Sedation, Quicker Recoveries February 8, 2023

An interventional cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating blood vessel blockages and structural heart defects using nonsurgical, catheter-based procedures and specialized imaging...

Roundup: How Flu Shots Can Help Protect the Brain in Older Adults; and More News April 17, 2026

Can a Stronger Flu Shot Help Protect the Brain from Alzheimer’s? What a New Study Suggests A new medical study explored whether the type of flu vaccine a person receives can influence the risk of...

Podcasts

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AI and the Future of Heart Care February 26, 2024
Innovations in Cardiac Procedures March 18, 2021
This Is What Lack of Sleep Does to Your Brain and Heart July 8, 2025

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