Minimally invasive heart care with interventional cardiology
Interventional cardiologists diagnose and treat conditions using minimally invasive heart procedures that don’t require large incisions.
During interventional cardiology procedures, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is guided through an incision in your upper leg, thigh or wrist to the area needing testing or treatment. Because these procedures have small incisions, you often recover and get back to life faster than with other surgical procedures, like open-heart surgery.
Our interventional cardiologists work in specialized cardiac catheterization, or cath labs, equipped with technologies to treat many conditions, from blocked or narrow arteries to heart attacks and heart valve disease.
Expert, advanced cardiothoracic surgeries
When your condition requires advanced heart care, you can trust the expertise of our board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons. These skilled specialists offer many sophisticated surgical treatments and will ensure you understand your options, so you feel confident in your treatment plan.
Depending on your diagnosis and current health, your surgeon may recommend open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. Robot-assisted procedures are often available, which may increase precision and shorten your recovery time depending on the condition being treated.
You’ll also have the support of our entire cardiothoracic surgery program, which includes nurse navigators who will help you prepare for surgery, social workers to assist with services you need during recovery and a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program to protect your heart long-term.
Comprehensive support for heart transplants
Heart transplantation can be a lifesaving option for people with advanced heart failure and other serious heart conditions. If you have reached a point where a heart transplant is needed, you can trust that you will have a team navigating and supporting you throughout the process.
While you wait for a suitable donor heart, your team will walk you through the donor registry process. You will also work closely with a cardiologist and cardiovascular surgeon to determine the tests and procedures necessary to prepare for the transplant. During this time, you will also have access to bridge-to-transplant treatments, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) and ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy, designed to support your heart’s function until a donor heart is available.
Our goal is to help ensure your transplant is as successful as possible. Your transplant team has cared for more than a thousand heart transplant recipients, and you’ll have support through follow-up care and recovery to keep your new heart healthy and strong.
Vascular surgery to improve blood flow
Vascular diseases, such as aortic aneurysms, deep vein thrombosis, and peripheral artery disease, require the expertise of a skilled vascular surgeon. At Baylor Scott & White, you have access to surgeons who specialize in helping you manage these conditions and many other vascular diseases with advanced, innovative treatments.
The type of procedure you receive will depend on your diagnosis and needs. To open a narrowed or blocked artery, you may benefit from a minimally invasive procedure, such as endovascular aneurysm repair or transcarotid artery revascularization. Your condition may require open vascular surgery or a specialized procedure for effective treatment.
Vascular diseases can impact your daily life, but you have many options for care. Your vascular surgeon will help you choose the right path for your care, helping you to improve your quality of life.
Cardiac rehabilitation to assist your recovery
Recovering from a cardiovascular event or procedure can be challenging. But you’re not alone in your recovery. Cardiac rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary, structured program designed to give you the skills and knowledge to improve your heart health after surgery or a heart attack. You may also benefit from cardiac rehab if you need help managing a chronic heart or vascular condition.
During cardiac rehab, you’ll have consistent, holistic support as you learn more about your condition and reach your health goals. The Baylor Scott & White program is carefully designed to accommodate the individual needs of every person.
People typically spend three to 12 weeks in cardiac rehabilitation, attending three sessions per week. The length of the program may depend upon your goals, the progress of your recovery or your provider’s recommendation.
A team of experts to support your cardiovascular health
You are more than your diagnosis. In addition to various treatment options for your cardiovascular condition, you will have access to several supportive services. Your care team can connect you with classes, events, spiritual care and support groups to meet your needs.
No matter where you receive your procedure or treatment, our heart and vascular care sites across North and Central Texas offer the follow-up care, treatments and rehabilitation services necessary to help you heal. Your care team will help you coordinate appointments at locations convenient to you.