Cardiovascular treatment: Advanced surgeries and procedures

When it comes to heart health, early detection and timely treatment are crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes. Fortunately, advances in cardiology have made it easier than ever to diagnose and treat heart conditions, from the most common to the most complex.

What types of cardiac procedures are there?

There are 2 main categories of cardiovascular procedures: minimally invasive and advanced heart procedures.

Minimally invasive procedures often are nonsurgical and are preferred over traditional surgery when possible. They typically involve smaller incisions, less pain, and a quicker recovery time.

Advanced heart procedures often are heart surgeries. These treatments are typically for complex or advanced heart conditions that may require more invasive interventions.

Most common minimally invasive cardiac procedures

Some of the most common types of minimally invasive heart procedures include:

• Arrhythmia ablation
• Atrial fibrillation ablation
• Coronary angioplasty or stenting (also known as percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI)
• Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
• Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC)
• Pacemaker/defibrillator insertion
• Totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB)
• Transcatheter aortic valve implantation or replacement (TAVI/TAVR)
• Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR)
• Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD)
• Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO)

Angioplasty, for example, involves the use of a small balloon to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow to the heart. TAVR is a procedure that involves replacing the aortic valve with a new one, all done through a small incision in the leg or chest.

Most common advanced heart procedures

Some of the most common types of heart surgeries or advanced heart procedures include:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery
• Aortic valve replacement (AVR)
• Congenital heart defect repair surgery (including tetralogy of Fallot repair)
• Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)
• Heart defect repair surgery (including ventricular septal defect or VSD)
• Heart valve surgery (including tricuspid valve replacement or TVR, and pulmonary valve replacement or PVR)
• Mitral valve replacement (MVR)
• Thoracic aortic aneurysm repair surgery

CABG, for example, is a surgery that involves bypassing blocked arteries in the heart by using a healthy blood vessel taken from another part of the body.

Getting cardiac care

If you or a loved one are experiencing any heart-related symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor can help you determine the right treatment options for you. Remember, early detection and timely treatment are key to achieving the best possible outcomes.

At Kaiser Permanente, our cardiology teams work with patients to create personalized treatment and recovery plans that prioritize their health and well-being. Whether you need a minimally invasive procedure or heart surgery, we’re here to provide the highest-quality care and support at every step of your journey to better heart health.

Learn more about cardiac care at Kaiser Permanente.