Interventional Cardiology
Your Heart in Expert Hands
Welcome to the Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology Service at Ruber International Hospital!
We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery, heart, and vascular diseases using minimally invasive percutaneous techniques.
Cardiac catheterization is the gold standard for diagnosing most heart conditions. With therapeutic catheterization, we can treat a wide range of coronary and structural conditions using devices such as balloons, stents, occluders, and valves, among others. These procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis (with observation lasting 4 to 24 hours) or as inpatient treatments, both electively and urgently.
Our goal is to provide precise and safe percutaneous diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. We evaluate each case individually and apply the most advanced techniques, always prioritizing patient benefit.
We are dedicated to addressing all your questions and explaining the procedures we perform to both patients and their families.
In our Hemodynamics Unit and Interventional Cardiology Service, you will find a team of highly experienced professionals committed to your well-being. We are here to provide you with top-quality care and to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you feel safe and confident throughout the process.
Innovation and Research.
- Team of Dr. Eduardo Alegría BarreroTeam Leader: Dr. Eduardo Alegría BarreroHospital Ruber InternacionalSpecialty: Interventional Cardiology91 387 51 62 / 91 457 77 64
- Team of Dr. Carlos Macaya MiguelTeam Leader: Dr. Carlos Macaya MiguelHospital Ruber InternacionalSpecialty: Cardiology91 387 50 00
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Cutting-Edge Technology
Our advanced facilities and cutting-edge technology allow us to provide innovative percutaneous diagnostics and interventions.
The Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology Unit is located on the ground floor in a strategic area adjacent to the operating room, with direct connections to multipurpose and intensive care areas.
It is fully equipped with a modern cardiovascular radiology system from the renowned brand General Electric, enabling us to perform procedures with the highest image quality and precision, ensuring reliable and safe outcomes.
Additionally, we have a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room featuring the Philips Azurion 7. This advanced technology allows us to conduct structural heart disease procedures in collaboration with the cardiac surgery team, ensuring maximum safety and efficacy for every intervention.
Our room is equipped with external defibrillators, pulse oximeters, coagulation activity monitoring systems (ACT), continuous cardiac monitoring, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and equipment for orotracheal intubation and pericardiocentesis. All these ensure a secure and prepared environment to handle any situation that may arise during procedures.
Safety and Excellence in Cardiovascular Care.
Expert Specialists
In Interventional Cardiology, we perform a variety of diagnostic procedures to study and assess conditions affecting heart valves, the myocardium, the pericardium, coronary arteries, congenital abnormalities, the aorta, and major vessels. These include:
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Diagnostic Coronary Angiography:
Using X-rays and the injection of iodinated contrast through a catheter, we assess coronary arteries for obstructions or atherosclerotic lesions that may impair blood flow to the heart.
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Right Heart Catheterization:
By introducing a catheter, we measure pressures and flows in the right heart chambers, providing critical insights into heart function and potential disorders.
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Intramyocardial Biopsy:
Through the collection of a small cardiac tissue sample, we evaluate potential diseases or inflammation in the heart muscle.
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Ventriculography, Aortography, and Pulmonary Arteriography:
These procedures involve the injection of iodinated contrast into the heart's ventricles, the aorta, and pulmonary arteries to evaluate their structure and function.
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Intracoronary Ultrasound (IVUS):
Using an ultrasound probe inserted into the coronary arteries, we obtain detailed images to assess the presence of atheromatous plaques and arterial structure.
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Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
This technique employs infrared light to capture high-resolution images of the coronary arteries, enabling a detailed view of their structure and any potential lesions.
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Intracoronary Pressure Guide:
Through a specialized catheter, we measure pressures within the coronary arteries to evaluate the severity of blockages and determine the most appropriate treatment.
We leverage advanced diagnostic procedures to achieve precise and detailed evaluations of cardiac conditions, enabling us to make well-informed decisions about the most suitable treatment for our patients.
Our specialists have extensive experience in a wide range of therapeutic procedures to treat various heart conditions.
These procedures include:
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Angioplasty:
A catheter with a balloon is used to dilate obstructed coronary arteries, improving blood flow. In some cases, a stent (intracoronary prosthesis) is implanted to keep the artery open.
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Percutaneous Mitral Annuloplasty:
This procedure repairs a defective mitral valve by inserting a device through a catheter, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery.
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Coronary Atherectomy (Rotablator):
A small rotating burr is used to remove cholesterol and calcium plaques from coronary arteries, enhancing blood flow.
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Manual and Mechanical Thrombectomy:
Blood clots (thrombi) are removed from coronary arteries using manual techniques or mechanical devices.
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Pericardiocentesis:
A puncture is made in the pericardium (the membrane surrounding the heart) to drain accumulated fluid in cases of pericarditis or pericardial effusion.
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Temporary Pacemaker Implantatio:
A temporary pacemaker is placed to regulate abnormal heart rhythms until definitive treatment can be performed.
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Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) Insertion:
An inflatable balloon is inserted into the aorta to improve blood flow to the heart in cases of acute heart failure.
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Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device Implantation:
Devices like the Impella® are used to help the heart pump blood in severe heart failure cases.
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Leadless Pacemaker Implantation:
A miniaturized pacemaker, such as the Micra®, is implanted directly into the heart without the need for leads.
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Valvular Disease Treatments:
Procedures include mitral and aortic valvuloplasty, percutaneous aortic valve implantation, and percutaneous closure of leaks around prosthetic valves.
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Congenital Heart Disease Treatments:
Procedures include closure of congenital heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defects, and atrial septal defects.
These interventional cardiology therapeutic procedures offer less invasive solutions for treating various heart conditions, enabling faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.