Other Cardiovascular Procedures

Watch how arteries in your heart become too narrowed and blocked, and how this procedure can restore blood flow.

Learn how to prepare yourself for your angioplasty, and watch what occurs during the angioplasty and stenting procedures.

See how two types of this medical device are used to improve the health of your heart.

Learn the possible risks of angioplasty and stenting.

Become familiar with the medications you may receive and the restrictions you will have during your brief stay in the hospital.

Understand how you can avoid complications and safely recover from angioplasty.

Learn the importance of knowing the medications you have been prescribed and how to take them safely.

Learn what signs and symptoms are normal during your recovery, and which ones require immediate attention.

Watch how this possible complication of angioplasty develops, and how to recognize its signs and symptoms.

Instructions for caring for yourself at home after undergoing a cardiac catheterization (or heart cath) procedure. Includes activity guidelines, warning signs to watch for, and more.

A coronary angiogram is a special X-ray test. It's done to find out if your coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed, where and by how much. An angiogram can help your doctor see if you need treatment such as angioplasty or stent, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) or medical therapy.

Your heart's arteries can become blocked or narrowed from a buildup of cholesterol, cells or other substances (plaque). This can reduce blood flow to your heart and cause chest discomfort. Sometimes a blood clot can suddenly form or get worse and completely block blood flow, leading to a heart attack. Angioplasty opens blocked arteries and restores normal blood flow to your heart muscle. It is not major surgery. It is done by threading a catheter (thin tube) through a small puncture in a leg or arm artery to the heart. The blocked artery is opened by inflating a tiny balloon in it.

Dr. Clyde Yancy, former American Heart Association president, explains common procedures for heart attack victims.

Following the pacemaker implant procedure, the patient will stay in the hospital for one or two nights to make sure the wound is healing without complications and the device is working properly. Before discharging the patient, the health care team will provide instructions on how to care for the wound at home.

Most patients with a pacemaker can live a normal, active life. Patients do need to take some precautions such as carrying their medical ID card, which contains information about their device, and telling all of their heath care providers that they have a pacemaker.

Pacemaker identification wallet card. Cut this card out and keep in your wallet for use when you are traveling or away from home.

A pacemaker is a small device that helps your heart beat more regularly. It does this with a small electric stimulation that helps control your heartbeat. Your doctor puts the pacemaker under the skin on your chest, just under your collarbone. It's hooked up to your heart with tiny wires.

Following the ICD implant procedure, the patient will stay in the hospital for one or two nights to make sure the wound is healing without complications and the device is working properly. Before discharging the patient, the healthcare team will provide instructions on how to care for the wound at home.

Most patients with an ICD can live a normal, active life. Patients do need to be aware of the types of shocks an ICD delivers and what to do if they experience a shock. There are also some precautions patients should take in order to reduce complications.

An ICD is a battery-powered device placed under the skin that keeps track of your heart rate. Two thin wires connect the ICD to one or more of the chambers in your heart. The heart sends electric signals to the ICD. The ICD can deliver an electric pulse or shock to help restore a normal heartbeat to your heart if it is beating chaotically and much too fast. Cardiac defibrillation is a way to return an abnormally fast or disorganized heartbeat to normal with an electric shock.

Watch how femoral bypass surgery restores blood flow in a blocked artery.

Watch what you will need to do, and what your healthcare team does, before and immediately after your femoral bypass surgery.

See what to expect as you recover from your femoral bypass surgery.

Watch how this procedure clears blockages and restores blood flow in the arteries of your arms and legs.

Watch what you will need to do, and what your healthcare team does, before and immediately after your atherectomy.

See what to expect as you recover from the atherectomy procedure.

A stent is a tiny wire mesh tube. It props open an artery and is left there permanently. When a coronary artery (an artery feeding the heart muscle) is narrowed by a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque, it can reduce blood flow. If blood flow is reduced to the heart muscle, chest pain can result. If a clot forms and completely blocks the blood flow to part of the heart muscle, a heart attack results. Stents help keep coronary arteries open and reduce the chance of a heart attack.