The Heart House Patient Education

At a Glance… Follow the links below for more information about these cardiovascular tests and procedures. [Note: Some information courtesy Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library.]

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm 
An abdominal aortic aneurysm, also called AAA or triple A, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta (the largest artery in the body) resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50 percent of the vessel’s normal diameter (width).

Ambulatory phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy involves the removal of the vein by tiny punctures or incisions along the path of the enlarged vein. Through these tiny holes, the surgeon uses a surgical hook to remove the varicose vein.

Aortic Valve Replacement
The valves in your heart may be damaged due to infection, rheumatic heart disease or birth (congenital) defects. The affected valve leaflets (cusps) may grow thick and brittle from scar tissue or calcium deposits, or they may become thin and weak resulting in an inefficient valve.

Cardiac Catheterization
In cardiac catheterization (often abbreviated as “cath”), a very small catheter (hollow tube) is advanced from a vessel in the groin (or sometimes the arm) up into the heart.

Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Test
A nuclear scan that gives information about the flow of blood through the coronary arteries to the heart muscle:

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) uses pulses of electricity to help the ventricles, or the two lower chambers of the heart, beat as they should. CRT is used to help moderate to severe heart failure. It is also used to help coordinate the beating of the ventricles when they aren’t coordinated.

Carotid Artery Duplex Scan
A carotid artery duplex scan is a type of vascular ultrasound study done to assess the blood flow of the arteries that supply blood from the heart through the neck to the brain. There are six carotid arteries–the right and left common carotid arteries, which divide and form the right and left internal carotid arteries and the right and left external carotid arteries. One pair (external and internal) is located on each side of the neck.

Carotid Endarterectomy / Carotid Angioplasty with Stenting
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS) are procedures performed to treat carotid artery disease in certain circumstances. Carotid artery disease, also called carotid artery stenosis, occurs when the carotid arteries, the main blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the brain, become narrowed.

Catheter Ablation
If you have been diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia — a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat — your doctor may recommend a procedure called catheter ablation to improve your condition.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the leg veins do not allow blood to travel back to the heart. (Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood to the heart). Problems with valves in the veins can cause the blood to flow both directions, not just toward the heart. These valves that are not working properly can cause blood in the legs to pool. If chronic venous insufficiency is left untreated, pain, swelling, and leg ulcers may result. Chronic venous insufficiency does not pose a serious health threat, but the condition can be disabling and cause pain.

Computed Tomography (CT Scan) of the Chest
Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG)
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a procedure used to treat coronary artery disease in certain circumstances. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the narrowing of the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle), caused by a buildup of fatty material within the walls of the arteries. This buildup causes the inside of the arteries to become rough and narrowed, limiting the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure that may be used when a physician wants to assess the heart muscle under stress. If exercise on a treadmill is not an option (too much stress on the heart) due to a person’s medical condition, a physician may use an intravenous medication called dobutamine. Dobutamine causes the heart to beat faster and will mimic the effects of exercise on the heart.

Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the heart’s function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on the chest at certain locations and angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move through the skin and other body tissues to the heart tissues, where the waves bounce or “echo” off of the heart structures. These sound waves are sent to a computer that can create moving images of the heart walls and valves.

Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out for the physician’s information and further interpretation.

Electrophysiological Studies
An electrophysiological study (EP study) is an invasive procedure that tests the heart’s electrical system. The electrical system of the heart generates the heart beat.

Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) Treatment
EECP stimulates the movement of blood from the lower extremities back to the heart. This promotes revascularization (creation of new blood vessels) that bypasses the blockages causing angina and associated debilitating symptoms.

Exercise Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedure used to assess the heart’s function and structures. An exercise echocardiogram is performed to assess the heart’s response to stress or exercise. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on the chest at certain locations and angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move through the skin and other body tissues to the heart tissues, where the waves bounce or “echo” off of the heart structures. The transducer picks up the reflected waves and sends them to a computer. The computer displays the echoes as images of the heart walls and valves.

Femoral Popliteal Bypass Surgery
Femoral popliteal (also called femoropopliteal) bypass surgery is a surgical procedure that may be used to treat severe blockage due to plaque in the femoral artery. A newer, minimally-invasive procedure is percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the femoral arteries.

Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery 
Heart valve repair or replacement surgery is a treatment option for valvular heart disease. When heart valves become damaged or diseased, they may not function properly. Conditions which may cause heart valve dysfunction are valvular stenosis and valvular insufficiency (regurgitation).

High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension occurs when the pressure in the arteries begins to rise – often a result of the narrowing of arteries and veins throughout the body. High blood pressure can be particularly dangerous to those predisposed to heart disease – resulting from genetic or environmental factors. This is because high blood pressure forces the heart to pump harder.

Holter Monitor
The Holter monitor is a type of electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) used to monitor the ECG tracing continuously for a period of 24 hours or longer. A standard or “resting” ECG is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest and abdomen. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out for the doctor’s information and further interpretation.

Laser Vein Treatment; Laser Ablation
Laser vein treatment (also called laser ablation) has been very successful in treating varicose veins caused by reflux in the saphenous vein.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Heart
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

Myocardial Perfusion Scan, Resting
A myocardial perfusion scan is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue under study. Specifically, the myocardial perfusion scan evaluates the heart’s function and blood flow.

Myocardial Perfusion Scan, Stress
A myocardial perfusion scan is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue under study. Specifically, the myocardial perfusion scan evaluates the heart’s function and blood flow.

Pacemaker/Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Insertion
A pacemaker is a tiny device, about the size of a silver dollar, that is implanted under the skin on the chest wall with electrical leads, or wires, that are placed through an IV into a vein and passed down and into the heart. Pacemakers act as a safety net, delivering low energy pulses to the heart muscle to stimulate a beat if the heart beat slows.

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) and Stent Placement
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is performed to open blocked coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease (CAD) and to restore arterial blood flow to the heart tissue without open-heart surgery. A special catheter (long hollow tube) is inserted into the coronary artery to be treated. This catheter has a tiny balloon at its tip. The balloon is inflated once the catheter has been placed into the narrowed area of the coronary artery. The inflation of the balloon compresses the fatty tissue in the artery and makes a larger opening inside the artery for improved blood flow.

Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting
Resting radionuclide angiogram (RNA) is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue under study. Specifically, resting RNA evaluates the heart’s chambers in motion.

Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting and Exercise
Resting and exercise radionuclide angiogram (RNA) is a type of nuclear medicine procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used during the procedure to assist in the examination of the tissue under study. Specifically, resting RNA evaluates the heart’s chambers in motion.

Right Heart Catheterization
A right heart catheterization is performed to determine how well the heart is pumping and to measure the pressures in the heart and lungs.

Right Heart Catheterization with Heart Tissue Biopsy
Right heart catheterization (often abbreviated as right heart cath) with heart tissue biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are taken directly from the heart muscle. This procedure may be done in addition to a right heart cath to see if the heart tissue is normal.

Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is very successful and the most popular method for eliminating spider veins. In this procedure, a tiny needle is used to inject a medication directly into the vein. This medication causes an irritation to the inner lining of the vein and results in closure of the vein. With time, the vein disappears.

Signal-Averaged Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart. Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out for the doctor’s information and further interpretation.

Spider Veins
Spider veins, a milder type of varicose veins, are smaller than varicose veins and often look like a sunburst or “spider web.” They are red or blue in color and are commonly found on the face and legs, just under the surface of the skin.

Tilt Table Procedure
A tilt table procedure is a diagnostic procedure that may be used to evaluate a person who has symptoms of syncope (fainting). When a person has a complaint of syncope, the physician will carefully evaluate the person’s past medical history and perform a physical examination. If basic components of the examination or history do not reveal a potential cause for the syncope, and the person has no history of heart disease, then further diagnostic procedures may be scheduled.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a new and innovative approach to the treatment of severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve opening). Instead of standard open heart surgery, a balloon catheter is placed in the femoral artery (in the groin) and guided into the heart. A compressed heart valve is then placed in the catheter and positioned directed inside the diseased aortic valve. Once in position, the balloon is inflated to secure the valve in place.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a diagnostic procedure that uses echocardiography to assess the heart’s function. Echocardiography is a procedure used to assess the heart’s function and structures. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on the chest at certain locations and angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move through the skin and other body tissues to the heart tissues, where the waves bounce or “echo” off of the heart structures. The transducer picks up the reflected waves and sends them to a computer. The computer displays the echoes as images of the heart walls and valves.

Ultrafast Computed Tomography (Ultrafast CT Scan)
Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays

Valvuloplasty
Valvuloplasty is performed, in certain circumstances, to open a stenotic (stiff) heart valve. In valvuloplasty, a very small, narrow, hollow tube, or catheter, is advanced from a blood vessel in the groin through the aorta into the heart. Once the catheter is placed in the valve to be opened, a large balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated until the leaflets (flaps) of the valve are opened. Once the valve has been opened, the balloon is deflated and the catheter is removed.

Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are visible through the skin and may appear as blue or purple twisted, knot-like cords. Varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body, but are more commonly found on the legs.

Vascular Studies
Vascular studies are noninvasive (the skin is not pierced) procedures used to assess the blood flow in arteries and veins. The purpose of these studies includes checking the underlying cause of decreased blood flow in your arteries, from conditions such as:

• Varicose Veins
• Aneurysm
• Atherosclorosis
• Embolus (Blood Clot)
• Other Inflammation

The vascular study can also check for the success of a procedure to improve blood flow and more.

Venogram
A venogram is a minimally invasive procedure that emits a small amount of X-ray to assist your specialist with visualization of the veins, particularly in the lower extremities (legs). Typically, we use the venogram to diagnose Deep Vein Thrombosis and other common vein disorders. A venogram is one of the more accurate tests used for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Occasionally, the venogram can help diagnose other health issues as well as finding an appropriate vein for a bypass.