Procedures, Tests, & Treatment
Non-Invasive Cardiology
Conway Regional offers a variety of non-invasive cardiology procedures that are often the first step in diagnosing a possible problem in the cardiovascular system. These include:
- Treadmill stress test: while walking on a treadmill, the patient's heart is monitored to diagnose any potential problems
- Echocardiogram: an ultrasound of the heart, allowing the cardiologist to assess the functions of the heart and chest
- Electrocardiogram monitoring: the rhythm of the heart is monitored for 24 to 48 hours to detect any problems which may require a pacemaker or medications
- Persantine and myoview stress testing
- 24 hour to 14 day holter monitoring
- Cardiac tilt table procedures
- Rest/stress, bubble, and transesophageal echocardiograms
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
These tests are available through a referral from your family doctor or a cardiologist.
Cardiac Catheterization
- Ercutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
- Diagnostic left heart caths
- Right heart caths and valve studies
- Temporary and permanent pacemaker insertions
- Pericardiocentesis procedures
- Coronary stent placements both bare metal and drug eluting
- Impella Device
- Temporary and permanent pacemaker/defibrillator insertions
- IVUS- Intravascular coronary ultrasound
- Peripheral interventions for peripheral vascular disease
Cardiovascular Imaging
Our cardiac catheterization laboratories, equipped with a specialized imaging system, allow for excellent visualization of the blood vessels of the heart. During catheterization, X-ray dye is injected into the coronary arteries to detect any blockages which may be present.
In some cases blockages can be corrected by performing a coronary angioplasty procedure. A balloon is inserted into the blockage and inflated for several seconds to open the blockage. Then a coronary stent may be placed in the area of the blockage to maintain the opening.
In the case of advanced disease, coronary artery bypass surgery may be necessary. Pacemaker implants are also performed in the catheterization lab for patients who require this device to correct heart rhythm abnormalities.