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.
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.
By the Numbers: Interventional Cardiology
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.
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.
Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death in the U.S., but timely interventional cardiology procedures can reduce death rates by over 30%.
Drug-eluting stents, widely used at Baptist Health, reduce restenosis (re-narrowing) rates by 50-70% compared to bare-metal stents.
Popular Conditions and Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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
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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.
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Interventional cardiologists treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease
- Ischemia and angina
- Heart attacks
- Heart valve disease
- Structural heart defects
- Cardiomyopathy
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Pioneering The Cures Of Tomorrow
Our researchers play a vital role in helping us better understand heart and vascular disease. They participate in a wide variety of clinical trials dedicated to improving treatments that will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Learn more about their work and what it means to be involved in a clinical trial.
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