Interventional Cardiology in Tampa
When you suffer a heart attack or discover that you have coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, or heart valve disease, you might feel anxious about what comes next. Are your heart problems a simple fix? Are you going to have to go “under the knife?” Is open-heart surgery your only option? Before anxiety sets in, consult a heart specialist in Tampa Bay who specializes in interventional cardiology.
Interventional Cardiology in Tampa
Interventional cardiology is a specialized branch of cardiology that allows patients to avoid surgery by using a tiny catheter to repair various structures in the heart including weakened vessels, narrowed arteries, and more. This important branch of cardiology isn’t practiced by every cardiologist. In order to become board certified in Interventional Cardiology, a cardiologist must commit an additional one to two years to specialized medical training following the completion of their fellowship in general cardiology. In other words, interventional cardiology in Tampa is only practiced by highly qualified cardiologists who have dedicated themselves to mastering this non-surgical method.
Who is the Best Interventional Cardiologist in Tampa?
Determining the best interventional cardiologist in Tampa is largely subjective, but you can certainly gauge the skill of the doctors of Ascent Cardiology by examining their education, certifications, and experience. For example, Dr. Sachin V. Diwadkar, FACC, FASE, of Ascent Cardiology is intimately familiar with a broad range of interventional cardiology treatments like stent implantation, angioplasty, and valve repair/replacement. Data compiled from the American College of Cardiology indicates that only 25 percent of cardiologists in the United States are certified to perform transradial heart catheterizations and interventions. Dr. Diwadkar specializes in radial artery catheterization, which places him firmly in the center of a relatively small number of cardiologists legally allowed to take advantage of this innovative technique.
Avoid Discomfort and Complications with Interventional Cardiology
In the past, catheterizations were inserted through the groin to access the arterial system. For patients, this created immense discomfort and often resulted in increased recovery times. Plus, it greatly increased the risk of complications since this type of catheterization often leads to increased bleeding, hematomas, and pseudoaneurysms in the area where the heart catheter is inserted into the femoral artery. The issues with femoral arterial catheterization don’t stop there. Retroperitoneal hemorrhaging is a complication associated with arterial catheterization. This life-threatening complication is more prevalent in elderly and obese patients who are also more likely to develop a heart-related condition.
Dr. Diwadkar utilizes the radial artery to perform catheterizations and interventions. This practice, known as transradial cardiac catheterization, increases patient comfort significantly by reducing the amount of time spent lying in the supine position during the procedure. Not only is this area of arterial access safer and more convenient for patients, it minimizes the likelihood of bleeding complications because it is small, superficial, and compressible. Lastly, transradial catheterization doesn’t limit the patient’s ability to move after the procedure is completed.
To consult with a heart specialist in Tampa Bay from Ascent Cardiology or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
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