Cath Lab

Comprehensive Interventional Capabilities

Understanding the Conditions We Treat

The cath lab at Bharathirajaa Hospital is equipped to handle a wide range of heart and vascular conditions as well as other specialized treatments. Here’s a breakdown of the common diseases we address, explained in simple terms:

1. Heart Diseases

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):

  CAD occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to fat deposits (plaques). This can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or even heart attacks. Treatments aim to restore blood flow to the heart.

• Aortic Stenosis:

  The aortic valve, which helps blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body, can sometimes become too tight, making the heart work harder. This condition can lead to fatigue, chest pain, or fainting.

2. Neurovascular Disorders (Conditions involving blood flow to the brain)

• Carotid Artery Stenosis:

  The carotid arteries in the neck supply blood to the brain. When they become narrowed, it increases the risk of stroke. Symptoms might include dizziness, temporary vision loss, or difficulty speaking.

• Brain Aneurysms:

  A brain aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain. If untreated, it can burst and cause life-threatening bleeding. Early treatment helps prevent rupture.

• Stroke:

  A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked. Acting quickly is vital to minimize damage and improve recovery. Symptoms include sudden weakness, slurred speech, or drooping on one side of the face.

3. Specialized Conditions

• Uterine Fibroids:

  These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy periods, pain, or fertility issues. Women experiencing these symptoms often look for treatments that don’t require surgery.

• Varicose Veins and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):

  Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that often appear on the legs, while PAD occurs when blood flow to the legs is reduced. Both can cause leg pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Untreated PAD may lead to complications like wounds that don’t heal.

• Liver and Gastrointestinal Issues:

  Conditions like blocked bile ducts or liver damage can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin), abdominal pain, or digestive problems.

Treatments Offered

The cath lab at Bharathirajaa Hospital offers cutting-edge treatments that are minimally invasive, meaning they require smaller incisions and result in quicker recovery times. Here’s what we do to treat the conditions mentioned above:

1. Cardiac (Heart) Treatments

• Angioplasty and Stenting:

  For blocked arteries, a thin tube is used to open the blockage and place a small mesh (stent) to keep the artery open. This restores blood flow to the heart and reduces the risk of heart attacks.

• TAVI/TAVR (Aortic Valve Replacement):

  These procedures are for patients with aortic stenosis. They replace the narrowed valve with a new one, all done through a small tube inserted in the leg or chest, avoiding open-heart surgery.

2. Neurovascular (Brain and Neck) Treatments

• Carotid Artery Stenting:

  A stent is placed in the carotid artery to open up blockages and reduce the risk of strokes. This helps blood flow smoothly to the brain.

• Endovascular Coiling for Aneurysms:

  To treat brain aneurysms, tiny coils are inserted into the bulge to prevent it from bursting. This is done without opening the skull.

• Stroke Management:

  The cath lab is equipped to quickly remove blood clots or restore blood flow in stroke patients, giving them the best chance for recovery.

3. Specialized Procedures

• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE):

  A small tube is used to block the blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. This procedure is non-surgical and preserves the uterus, making it an excellent choice for women who want to avoid surgery.

• Peripheral Interventions:

  Treatments for varicose veins or PAD include opening blocked vessels or removing damaged veins to improve blood flow and relieve symptoms like leg pain or swelling.

• Liver and GI Treatments:

  For issues like bile duct blockages, a thin tube is inserted to drain the bile and relieve symptoms like jaundice or abdominal discomfort.

4. Diagnostic Procedures

• Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS):

  This advanced imaging technology gives a clear, inside view of blood vessels, helping doctors understand the exact problem and guide precise treatments.

• Tilt Table Testing:

  Used for patients who faint or feel dizzy, this test helps find out if the problem is related to the heart or nerves, so the right treatment can be planned.

• 24/7 Holter Monitoring:

  For patients with irregular heartbeats, this wearable device records heart activity continuously, helping doctors identify and manage the problem effectively.

Why Bharathirajaa Hospital’s Cath Lab is Different

• Safe Procedures with Low Radiation:

  The latest technology ensures less radiation exposure for patients and healthcare workers.

• Comprehensive Care:

  From diagnosis to treatment, everything you need is available in one place.

• Minimally Invasive Techniques:

  These ensure quicker recovery, smaller scars, and less pain compared to traditional surgeries.

Diagnostic Excellence at Bharathirajaa Hospital’s Cath Lab

The cath lab is not only equipped for advanced interventional procedures but also offers state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities, ensuring accurate and effective treatment planning for a variety of conditions. Here’s a closer look at the diagnostic tools and their real-world applications:

1. Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)

What it is:

IVUS is a cutting-edge imaging technique that uses a tiny ultrasound probe mounted on a catheter. This probe is inserted into blood vessels to capture detailed, real-time images from within the artery walls.

How it Helps:

• IVUS provides critical information about the size, structure, and extent of blockages (plaques) in arteries.

• It helps doctors precisely measure the severity of blockages and choose the most suitable intervention, such as angioplasty or stenting.

Example in Action:

A patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) may undergo IVUS to determine whether a stent is needed. Instead of relying solely on external imaging, IVUS offers a clear internal view, ensuring the stent is appropriately sized and placed for optimal blood flow.

2. Tilt Table Testing

What it is:

This test evaluates patients who experience fainting (syncope) or dizziness by monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and other parameters while they are tilted at different angles on a motorized table.

How it Helps:

• It differentiates whether the cause of fainting is related to cardiac issues (like arrhythmias) or neurological problems (like autonomic dysfunction).

• It provides clarity in cases where symptoms are vague or overlapping, allowing for targeted treatment.

Example in Action:

A young adult experiencing frequent fainting spells might undergo this test. If the test reveals a significant drop in blood pressure or an abnormal heart rate response when tilted, the cause could be postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) or vasovagal syncope. This insight enables the doctor to recommend appropriate lifestyle changes, medications, or further interventions.

3. 24/7 Holter Monitoring

What it is:

Holter monitoring involves wearing a small, portable device that continuously records the heart’s electrical activity (ECG) over 24 hours or more. Unlike a standard ECG, which captures heart activity only for a few minutes, this provides a comprehensive picture of the heart’s behavior throughout the day.

How it Helps:

• Detects irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may not show up during a routine ECG.

• Helps evaluate the effectiveness of medications or pacemakers.

• Identifies triggers for heart-related symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or chest discomfort.

Example in Action:

A middle-aged patient complaining of sporadic palpitations and fatigue might not show abnormalities during a standard ECG. However, Holter monitoring could capture episodes of atrial fibrillation (AFib) or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), helping doctors plan timely treatments like medications or ablation therapy.

Why Advanced Diagnostics Matter

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment. The advanced diagnostic tools at Bharathirajaa Hospital’s cath lab ensure:

• Precision in Treatment Planning:
  With detailed imaging and real-time data, interventions can be tailored to individual patient needs.

• Early Detection of Complex Issues:
  Subtle but serious conditions like arrhythmias, carotid artery narrowing, or autonomic dysfunction are identified early.

• Improved Patient Outcomes:
  By addressing the root cause of symptoms with clarity, patients receive targeted care, reducing risks and improving recovery.

Advantages

The cath lab at Bharathirajaa Hospital, under the expert guidance of Dr. Anil Kumar, represents a significant advancement in healthcare for the residents of Chennai and beyond. With its comprehensive range of services, advanced technology, and emphasis on safety, the cath lab ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care. This facility not only enhances the hospital's capabilities in treating complex conditions but also provides patients with minimally invasive options, reducing recovery times and improving overall outcomes.

By offering a wide array of diagnostic and interventional procedures under one roof, Bharathirajaa Hospital's cath lab is set to continue being a beacon of excellence in medical care, benefiting the community with its state-of-the-art services and compassionate care.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms related to heart, brain, or vascular health, don’t wait. The right care, delivered at the right time, can save lives. 📞 Contact us at +044 6211 6211 for expert care and advanced treatments.