Percutaneous coronary interventions
High-risk percutaneous coronary interventions can offer a less invasive option for people with complex coronary artery disease. Our experts use advanced techniques to treat blocked arteries, ease symptoms and help you find the safest path forward.
Advanced techniques
Our interventional cardiology and complex high-risk (and indicated) percutaneous coronary interventions (CHIP) program provides the best treatment strategies, not only for the most complex coronary diseases, but to all patients who may need angioplasty. Our internationally renowned experts use highly innovative and advanced technologies to deliver the most precise outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
CHIP is a subspecialty of interventional cardiology for patients that have any of the following issues:
- Difficult anatomical
- Co-morbidities
- Compromised heart function
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) that is unresponsive or progressing despite optimal medical management
- Atherosclerosis
- Blockages with severe calcification
- Patients with prior stents that are failing
- Patients who had unsuccessful procedures at other institutions
- Patients with 100% blocked arteries — Chronic Total Occlusions (CTO)
- Patients with history of open-heart bypass surgery with ongoing symptoms or failing bypass grafts
- Patients with ongoing symptoms (angina) with no, or only high-risk surgical options
- Any other conditions such as compromised kidney function, lung function, bleeding problems, advanced age that make the treatment of the coronary artery disease higher risk
- Patients with compromised heart function and congestive heart failure
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
- Angioplasty
- Atherectomy
- Laser therapy
- Medical and minimally invasive therapies for diseases of the heart muscle such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, amyloid cardiomyopathy and ischemic cardiomyopathy
- Referrals to expert open-heart surgeons
Chronic total occlusions (CTO) result when there is severe build-up of plaque or fatty deposits within the arteries causing 100% occlusion of the arteries and cessation of blood flow to heart muscle. They are the most challenging types of lesions to treat with PCI and are generally the most common cause of patient referrals to open heart surgery. Our team has expertise in the evaluation and treatment of CTOs using the least invasive percutaneous approach (PCI).
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) refers to minimally invasive procedures that are used to open clogged arteries delivering blood to the heart. It does not require open heart surgery and is performed through access from the arteries of the groin or the wrist.
- Chest pain, or tightness with exertion
- Shortness of breath
- Angina
- Notable decline in health and quality of life
- Pain in the upper body and arm
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Rapid or irregular heart rate