Have you or someone you know been advised to undergo a heart procedure? It can sound scary, but with today’s medical advancements, many heart treatments are done as outpatient procedures. This means you can go home the same day the procedure is done.
Our guide will break down the different types of outpatient heart procedures, making it less intimidating and more understandable. By knowing what to expect, you can feel more prepared and less stressed about the process.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a common outpatient heart procedure. Doctors use a thin tube called a catheter to check how well your heart is working. They can also use it to treat some heart conditions without needing a big surgery.
During this procedure, the catheter is usually inserted through a small cut in your leg or arm. It is then guided to your heart. This allows the doctor to find and sometimes fix problems in your heart’s arteries.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is another procedure that doctors do to help your heart. In this procedure, they use a catheter with a special balloon on the end to open up arteries that are blocked. This helps the blood flow better to your heart.
Doctors may also place a small tube called a stent during the angioplasty. The stent stays in the artery to keep it open after the balloon has been taken out. This makes sure your heart gets a good supply of blood all the time.
Pacemaker Implantation
Pacemaker implantation is a procedure to help control your heartbeat. A small device called a pacemaker is put under the skin in your chest. This device sends electrical pulses to your heart to help it beat at a normal speed.
Doctors recommend a pacemaker if your heart is beating too slowly or irregularly. The procedure to implant a pacemaker usually takes a few hours. So, if you have a heart condition that requires constant monitoring and intervention for irregular heart rhythms, you should learn more about implanting a pacemaker.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implantation is an important procedure for people with a high risk of life-threatening heart rhythms. An ICD is a device that monitors heart rhythms and can automatically deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat if an abnormal rhythm is detected. It’s placed under the skin in the chest, and wires connect it to the heart.
The implantation of an ICD is similar to the pacemaker implantation procedure and usually takes a few hours. Most patients are able to go home the same day the procedure is performed. The ICD keeps a constant watch on the heartbeat, providing peace of mind and an extra layer of protection against sudden cardiac arrest.
Loop Recorder Implantation
Loop recorder implantation is a procedure that helps doctors keep an eye on your heart’s activity over a long time. A small device, called a loop recorder, is placed under the skin in the chest area. This device records the heart’s rhythm continuously, capturing information that can be very important for your doctor.
Doctors suggest loop recorder implantation when they need to understand unusual heart rhythms that happen infrequently. The process of implanting the device is usually quick and patients often go home the same day. This device helps in identifying heart issues that might not show up during a regular check-up or test.
Ablation Procedures
Ablation procedures are used to treat heart rhythm problems. In this process, doctors use small tools to create a heart surgery scar. These scars help control abnormal heart rhythms.
This procedure is often done using catheters, so it doesn’t require open surgery. The doctor inserts these catheters through a small cut, usually in your groin. After the procedure, most people can go home the same day.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a procedure used to replace a damaged heart valve without open-heart surgery. In this procedure, a new valve is inserted through a small cut in the leg and guided to the heart. This method is often chosen for people who are at high risk for standard valve replacement surgery.
TAVR helps to restore normal blood flow out of the heart and reduces symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. Most patients who undergo TAVR notice an improvement in their symptoms soon after the procedure. They can usually go home within a few days and return to their regular activities more quickly than with traditional surgery.
Peripheral Vascular Interventions
Peripheral Vascular Interventions are treatments for diseases in the blood vessels outside of your heart and brain. These procedures can help improve blood flow to areas of the body like the legs, arms, and kidneys. Doctors often use a catheter to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels.
These cardiovascular procedures might include angioplasty or the placement of stents, similar to those used in heart arteries. The goal is to restore normal blood flow and reduce symptoms such as pain or swelling. Most patients can go home the same day the procedure is done, making it a convenient option for improving vascular health.
Electrophysiology Studies (EPS)
Electrophysiology Studies (EPS) are tests doctors do to understand the heart’s electrical activity. This procedure can help find the cause of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). During EPS, doctors insert catheters into a vein in your groin and guide them to your heart to record its electrical signals.
This test helps doctors decide the best treatment for arrhythmias. If medication is not effective, the EPS might show that a procedure like ablation is needed. Most patients can go home the same day the test is done.
Stay Heart-Strong With Outpatient Heart Procedures
In today’s world, taking care of your heart has become easier and less worrying thanks to outpatient heart procedures. With these, you get top-notch care without the need for a long hospital stay.
Remember, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your options so you can pick the best treatment plan together. Taking this step can make a big difference in staying heart-strong.