Welcome to the NCH Shick Heart Center Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests are cardiac procedures used to help physicians determine if you have heart disease and also to to assist in an appropriate treatment plan for your current condition. Many times more than one test is required to properly diagnose a heart condition.
Non-invasive Procedures (Procedures that do not require entrance through the body)
Invasive Coronary Procedures (Procedures which involve entering the body)
Code Save-A-Heart Direct Infarct Angioplasty Program is designed to stop a heart attack before it happens. It is an aggressive treatment plan that can begin as soon as the emergency medical treatment is initiated either with paramedics or in the emergency room. The treatment allows for minimal to absolutely no heart muscle damage.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac Catheterization: is a diagnostic procedure in which a tiny, hollow tube (catheter) is advanced from a vessel in the groin through the aorta into the heart in order to image the heart and blood vessels. Ref:
More Info Coronary Angioplasty
Coronary angioplasty: is a medical procedure in which a balloon is used to open a blockage in a coronary (heart) artery narrowed by atherosclerosis. This procedure improves blood flow to the heart.
More InfoElectrophysiological Study
Electrophysiological study (EPS): is a procedure that studies electrical current in patients who have arrhythmias.
More Info Peripheral Angioplasty, Laser Therapy
- Peripheral Angioplasty is a procedure that dilates or "opens up" blocked arteries by threading a thin plastic tube called a balloon catheter to the point of narrowing. The balloon is inflated and presses the plaque against the vessel wall in order to restore proper blood flow. The balloon is then deflated and removed from the artery. - Peripheral Angioplasty Laser Therapy: a laser is used to "vaporize" the blockage in the artery.
Transmyocardial Revascularization CO2 Laser
Transmyocardial revascularization CO2 Laser: the goal of this treatment is to improve blood flow to areas of the heart that cannot be treated by angioplasty or surgery. A special carbon dioxide (CO 2) laser is used to create small channels in the heart muscle, improving blood flow in the heart. TMR is a surgical procedure.
More Info Minimally Invasive Valve Repair with da Vinci Robot
Minimally Invasive Valve repair with da Vinci Robot: Surgical valve repair involves delicate reconstruction of native valve tissues in order to restore proper function. Robotic-assisted minimally invasive cardiac procedures avoid the drawbacks of traditional heart surgery, including blood loss, pain and scarring that typically result from cutting through the breastbone and opening the ribs.
More Info Mini-Maze Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Mini-Maze Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation is a minimally invasive, epicardial procedure not requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. This procedure is characterized by: - No median sternotomy incision; instead, an endoscope and/or “mini-thoracotomy” incisions between the ribs are used. - No cardiopulmonary bypass; instead, these procedures are performed on the normally beating heart. - Few or no actual incisions into the heart itself. The "maze" lesions are made epicardially (from the outside of the heart) by using radiofrequency, microwave, or ultrasonic energy, or by cryosurgery. - The part of the left atrium in which most clots form (the “appendage”) is usually removed, in an effort to reduce the long-term likelihood of stroke.
Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass (OPCAB)
Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass (OPCAB): is a form of bypass surgery that does not use the heart lung machine during surgery. This procedure reduces the risk of potential complications such as stroke, by eliminating the need for stopping and restarting the heart. Compared with other cardiac procedures, OPCAB may result in shorter hospital stays, less need for blood transfusions and lower cost to the patient.
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Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: is taking a segment of a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and make a detour around the blocked part of the coronary artery.
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Learn more about the Cardiovascular System