Invasive/Interventional Cardiology

As leading hospitals in the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys in providing comprehensive, state-of-the-art cardiac care, the board-certified cardiologists of Providence Holy Cross Medical Center and Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center perform initial cardiovascular evaluations utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic techniques and equipment, followed by appropriate, therapeutic interventions, such as balloon angioplasty and intracoronary stenting.  Among the many awards and recognitions consistently received by our facilities, Providence Holy Cross Medical Center is a 5-Star Provider of Coronary Interventional Procedures and Care for Heart Failure, while Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center is a 5-Star Provider of Care for Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure, according to national health care ratings agency HealthGrades®.  Interventional technologies most frequently used at our facilities include angioplasty, stenting and intravascular coronary ultrasound.

Percutaneous Intervention (Balloon Angioplasty)
In this procedure performed by an interventional cardiologist to open a blocked coronary artery and restore blood flow to the heart, a specially designed balloon catheter with a small balloon tip is guided to the point of narrowing in the artery. Once in place, the balloon is inflated to compress the fatty matter into the artery wall and stretch the artery open to increase blood flow to the heart.

Intracoronary Stenting
During interventional cardiac procedures such as angioplasty, cardiologists commonly place a stent — a small stainless steel mesh tube — to help stabilize the coronary artery and ensure that it remains open.  The coronary artery heals around the stent following the interventional procedure. 

Intravascular Coronary Ultrasound (IVUS)
In this procedure, cardiologists thread a tiny ultrasound "camera" into the coronary arteries, providing a cross-sectional view from the inside-out to demonstrate where the normal artery wall ends and the plaque begins. IVUS is useful in assisting cardiologists in the selection and sizing of stents and balloons, and confirming that a stent has been properly deployed.

For more information about our programs and services, awards and recognitions, or our nationally recognized heart specialists, contact our Health Resource Center at 1-888-HEALING (1-888-432-5464).  Or you may find a heart specialist by searching our online physician directory.