Cardiovascular Services Provided By Hamilton Health

• Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A specialized device is navigated through the vein to the heart, targeting the site of the heart wall defect. Once positioned accurately, the PFO closure device conforms to bridge both sides of the opening.
• Treatment of Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO): CTO refers to the complete or near-complete blockage of one or more coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, persisting for at least three months. This blockage compromises blood flow to the heart.
• Atherectomy: This procedure involves the removal of plaque (atheroma) from the inner lining of blood vessels, commonly performed in major arteries affected by atherosclerosis. Various methods, including angioplasty, laser surgery, or small drill-tipped catheters, may be utilized. In the US, atherectomy is colloquially known as the ‘Rotorooter’ procedure.
• Intravascular Lithotripsy (Shockwave): Sonic pressure waves, or shockwaves, are employed in Intravascular Lithotripsy to disrupt calcified coronary plaque within soft arterial tissue, inducing micro-fractures.
• Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): This term denotes patients presenting with complex, anatomical coronary lesions, characterized by severe calcification, extensive thrombotic burden, extreme tortuosity or length, or chronic total occlusion.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG): CABG is a surgical procedure used to address coronary artery disease (CAD), which involves the narrowing of the coronary arteries supplying oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.
• Heart Valve Surgery: Procedures are performed to repair or replace malfunctioning heart valves due to valvular heart disease.
• Complex Aortic Surgery: Complex aortic procedures treat patients with aneurysms that need replacement of the aorta from the aortic valve down to the aortic bifurcation (where the aorta separates into two).
• Heart Catheterization: Hamilton’s cardiologists perform a diagnostic heart catheterization to determine if there are blockages in a patient’s heart, also called coronary angiography. This test is performed by inserting a special type of dye through a catheter into the heart. Cardiologists can determine if and exactly where there are blockages in the heart by using this dye and a certain type of X-ray device in the catheterization lab.
• Radial Artery Catheterization: This is a heart catheterization that is performed through the wrist, allowing for faster patient recovery times. Patients who undergo these radial catheterizations can sit up, walk, and eat immediately after the procedure.
• Angioplasty: Hamilton’s interventional cardiologists increase blood flow to the heart by inserting a specially designed catheter with a small balloon tip. Once it is in place, the balloon is inflated to stretch the artery open.
• Stenting: This procedure provides support and maintains blood flow to the heart. Hamilton’s interventional cardiologists will insert a small mesh tube called a stent into the coronary artery.
• Pacemaker implantation: Pacemakers are implanted to help a patient’s heart maintain a regular rhythm.
• Cardiac Defibrillator Implantation (ICD): A cardiac defibrillator can be implanted to control the heart’s rhythm, speed, and pattern, as well as to stop a dangerous arrhythmia (a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat).
• Ablation: Ablation is a procedure that can cure arrhythmias, and is performed by a specially trained electrophysiologist.
• Cardiac CT testing: Using an X-ray machine to take clear, detailed pictures of the heart can often detect problems with the heart.
• Genetic testing: Hamilton’s laboratory technicians can perform genetic testing to determine which type of medication will work best for a specific cardiac patient. This can help cardiologists personalize medical care based on a patient’s genetic makeup.