The clinic’s interventional cardiologists provide constant care 24 hours a day, using a technology platform comprised of three digital angiography rooms equipped with cutting edge digital imaging technology. They perform diagnostic procedures (coronary angiogram, CT scan and MRI) and therapeutic procedures to treat structural heart defects (ASD closure, atrial appendage closure and TAVI).
Principle of the procedure
This exam provides a precise assessment of any damage to your coronary arteries (narrowing or occlusion) that could lead to chest pain or myocardial infarction.
How the procedure is carried out
The exam takes place in the radiovascular room under strictly sterile conditions (sterile materials, sterile gowns and gloves, etc.). The first step involves the cardiologist inserting a needle into one of the radial arteries (in the wrist) or, more rarely, one of the femoral arteries (in the groin crease). A small catheter called a “desilet” is then introduced into the artery. Next, the cardiologist passes the leads to the heart to inject iodinated contrast directly into the coronary arteries. Darkened areas of the coronary arteries are imaged by X-ray. At the end of the procedure, the nurse applies a compression bandage to the site of the needle puncture.
Is this an inpatient procedure?
This exam is typically performed on an outpatient basis (arrive and leave on the same day). You may leave after 4 hours of monitoring with a report of the procedure and new prescriptions if needed.
Is it painful?
In the large majority of cases this is not a painful procedure, but it can sometimes be unpleasant. It is performed under local anesthesia.
Who is present for the procedure?
The following individuals are always present: the interventional cardiologist in charge of the procedure, a nurse who specializes in interventional cardiology and a nurse anesthetist under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist.
Are there any risks involved with the procedure?
Like all invasive procedures, this procedure does entail some risk, but serious events are rare:
Complications such as infarction, serious heart rhythm problems, cerebrovascular accident or heart perforation are very rare.
Tools available at the clinic to improve evaluation of lesions:
Principle of the procedure
This intervention treats narrowed coronary arteries by placing metallic prostheses (stents). In general, stents are made out of metal and are often said to be “active”, as they are covered with a medication designed to reduce the risk that the narrowing will reoccur. This allows the restoration of normal blood circulation in the coronary arteries, and thus improved vascularization of the cardiac muscle.
Is the procedure painful?
In the large majority of cases this procedure is not painful, but it can be unpleasant. It is performed under local anesthesia.
How the procedure is carried out:
The first steps are identical to those of a coronary angiography, with placement of a desilet after introducing a needle into one of the radial (or femoral) arteries. The coronary angioplasty involves widening the narrow area(s) with an inflatable balloon. In the majority of cases, an endoprosthesis (stent) is placed in this area. A stent is a sort of tube made out of a metallic grid that is left in place and keeps the artery open.
Is this an inpatient procedure?
This is a short procedure, but requires an overnight stay for monitoring after the intervention. Discharge takes place the following morning, at which time you will be given a report of the procedure and new prescriptions.
Who is present for the procedure?
The following individuals are always present: the interventional cardiologist in charge of the procedure, a nurse who specializes in interventional cardiology and a nurse anesthetist under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist.
Are there any risks involved with the procedure?
Like all invasive procedures, this procedure does entail some risk, but serious events are rare:
Complications such as infarction, serious heart rhythm problems, cerebrovascular accident or heart perforation are very rare. In rare cases, emergency heart surgery may be needed. Death is extremely rare.
Indication
This intervention treats significant narrowing of the aortic valve. The transaortic valve is the valve that separates the left ventricle (the heart pump) from the rest of the circulatory system and allows blood to flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Implantation of an arterial valve through the groin crease is an alternative to “open heart” surgery.
Is the procedure painful?
This procedure is performed under local anesthesia with light “sedation” that will put you in a light sleep.
How the procedure is carried out
This first step involves puncturing the femoral artery and inserting a lead into the femoral vein that can electrically stimulate heart contractions. Next, the artificial valve is delivered to the heart by sliding it along a long, stiff, metallic rod. The new valve is then implanted directly at the site of the old one, obliterating it. The procedure is performed under X-ray guidance and with the help of iodinated contrast in the ascending aorta. Each injection is imaged by X-ray. Finally, at the end of the procedure, a closure system is put into place to “suture” the hole made in the femoral artery.
Is this an inpatient procedure?
This procedure involves a stay of several days. In general, discharge will occur after 2 or 3 days’ monitoring after the intervention.
Who is present for the procedure?
The following individuals are always present: the interventional cardiologist in charge of the procedure, a nurse who specializes in interventional cardiology, a nurse anesthetist and an anesthesiologist.
Are there any risks involved with the procedure?
Due to continuous improvement in materials in recent years, complications are becoming more rare. The potential risks associated with this procedure are: heart rhythm problems, vascular complications at the site of catheter insertion (bruising, perforation or arterial obstruction that may require surgical repair), myocardial infarction, embolization of valve material or clots, aortic dissection (tearing of the aortic wall), perforation of a heart chamber, cerebrovascular accident, renal insufficiency, endocarditis (infection of the valve), valve displacement, leaking around the valve, valve dysfunction, bleeding requiring transfusion, emergency bypass surgery or emergency aortic valve replacement surgery and death.
Indication
This intervention enables closure of an anatomical sac called a left atrial appendage in which the majority of clots form in the case of atrial fibrillation. To prevent the formation of these blood clots, which can cause cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), anticoagulants are usually prescribed. However, if there are contraindications for anticoagulant treatment, left atrial appendage closure may be recommended.
Is the procedure painful?
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia so that transesophageal ultrasound (3D) can be performed during the procedure.
How the procedure is carried out
The first step requires puncture of the vein in the groin crease. Next, a closure system is delivered to the site of the atrium in the heart using a metal guide. It is then put into place in such a way as to completely cover the sac.
Is this an inpatient procedure?
This is a short procedure, but it will be necessary to stay the night after the intervention for monitoring. You will be discharged the next morning with a report of the procedure and new prescriptions.
Who is present for the procedure?
The following individuals are always present: the interventional cardiologist in charge of the procedure, a nurse who specializes in interventional cardiology, a nurse anesthetist and an anesthesiologist.
Are there any risks involved with the procedure?
There is a risk of bruising at the site of the vein puncture. Much more rarely, there is a risk of CVA, migration of the prostheses during the insertion process that could require conversion to open heart surgery and bleeding within the heart envelope (pericardium) requiring emergency drainage.
Indication
This procedure enables the closure of a natural hole between the left and right atria.
Is this a painful procedure?
This procedure is usually not painful.
How the procedure is carried out:
The first step requires puncture of the vein in the groin crease. Next, an hourglass-shaped closure system is delivered to the heart using a metallic guide. The closure system is then inserted into the hole to close it.
Is this an inpatient procedure?
This is a short procedure, but it will be necessary to stay for one night after the intervention for monitoring. You will be discharged the next morning with a report of the procedure and new prescriptions.
Who is present for the procedure?
The following individuals are always present: the interventional cardiologist in charge of the procedure, a nurse who specializes in interventional cardiology, a nurse anesthetist and an anesthesiologist.
What are the risks associated with the procedure?
There is a risk of bruising at the site of vein puncture, which is common but benign. Much more rarely, there is a risk of gas embolism leading to a CVA, migration of the prostheses during placement requiring conversion to open heart surgery and bleeding into the heart sac (pericardium) requiring emergency drainage.
This procedure repairs a naturally occurring hole between the left and right atria of the heart.
Is the procedure painful?
As this procedure is performed under general anesthesia, it is not painful.
How the procedure is carried out:
The first step requires puncture of the vein in the groin crease. Next, an hourglass-shaped closure system is delivered to the heart using a metallic guide. The closure system is then inserted into the hole to close it.
Is this an inpatient procedure?
This is a short procedure, but it will be necessary to stay for one night after the intervention for monitoring. You will be discharged the following morning with a report of the procedure and prescriptions for new medications.
Who is present for the procedure?
The following individuals are always present: the interventional cardiologist in charge of the procedure, a nurse who specializes in interventional cardiology, a nurse anesthetist and an anesthesiologist.
What are the risks associated with the procedure?
There is a risk of bruising at the site of vein puncture, which is common but benign. Much more rarely, there is a risk of gas embolism leading to a CVA, migration of the prostheses during placement requiring conversion to open heart surgery and bleeding into the heart sac (pericardium) requiring emergency drainage.
