Interventional cardiology in structural and congenital pathology comprises a set of percutaneous access procedures to reach the heart.
Initially, it was created for the treatment of coronary artery lesions, but nowadays, it also treats non-coronary pathologies, valvulopathies, coarctation of the aorta or congenital defects, among others.
What does interventional cardiology in structural and congenital pathology consist of?
In general, it consists of the dilatation of valves and vessels or the occlusion of septal defects, vessels, atrial appendages or abnormal communications, both intra and extra cardiac. They are performed by means of a percutaneous procedure that, unlike open surgery, avoids opening the thorax, since this generates scarring and fibrosis processes that condition future interventions and pose a risk to the patient.
Dilatations are performed by means of a balloon catheter; depending on the type of lesion, stent implantation can prevent possible restenosis.
Closures of septal defects are approached through the implantation of various types of devices adapted to the type of lesion and anatomical characteristics.
What is the postoperative period like?
During the first hours, the patient must remain in a monitoring unit under surveillance of vital signs and cardiac rhythm. The patient will be required to remain with the leg stretched out (the main access route is inguinal) until it is ensured that there is no external or internal bleeding from the vessel. Vascular complications are one of the most frequent, so special vigilance is required.
Before discharge, an echocardiogram will check the efficacy of the intervention.
It is important to follow the recommendations for activity, wound care, check-ups and medication.