Interventional Cardiology

As the first medical center in New England to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with alcohol septal ablation, you can trust that we’re leading the way in interventional cardiology and in your heart care.

Interventional cardiologists perform the following catheter-based procedures and surgeries:

• Alcohol septal ablation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
• Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Heart catheterization
• Inserting the WATCHMAN^™ device
• Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure
• TAVR
• TMVR with MitraClip
• Ventricular assist device (VAD) placement

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a small hole between the heart’s upper chambers that is present at birth. This hole usually closes after birth, but if it doesn’t, it’s called a PFO. While a PFO doesn’t often cause problems, it can increase the risk of a stroke later in life.

To help reduce the risk of strokes for people with a PFO, our experts in cardiovascular care are leading clinical trials to find new, non-surgical ways to repair PFOs.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

We can replace diseased heart valves using a non-surgical approach called transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This lifesaving procedure is a great option for people who can’t have open heart surgery.

TMVR with MitraClip^™

Not everyone with a leaky heart valve (called mitral valve regurgitation) is a candidate for heart surgery. That’s where a less-invasive, non-surgical treatment called transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) with MitraClip™ therapy comes in.

The goal is to tightly close the leaky valve so your heart doesn’t have to work harder to pump blood.

During the TMVR with MitraClip™ procedure, the doctor makes a small incision in the thigh to reach the femoral artery. Using imaging tools like X-rays or ultrasounds, the doctor guides the catheter through the vein to the mitral valve in your heart. The MitraClip™ is then threaded up through the catheter to clip the valve tighter. After the procedure, the doctor removes the catheter.

Ventricular assist device (VAD)

When the heart can’t work properly on its own, your doctor may recommend a ventricular assist device (VAD). This small mechanical device helps the heart pump blood from its lower chambers (ventricles) to the rest of the body.

We’re also researching new designs and uses for these lifesaving devices, including less invasive, catheter-based methods to place them.

WATCHMAN^™ device

The WATCHMAN™ device helps reduce the risk of stroke by closing off a part of the heart called the left atrial appendage (LAA) to prevent blood clots from escaping. This device eliminates the need for blood thinners like Warfarin, reduces bleeding risks, reduces the need for regular blood tests and reduces food and drink restrictions.

In clinical trials, 92% of people stopped taking Warfarin just 45 days after the WATCHMAN™ procedure and 99% were completely off it within a year. After the procedure, you'll take blood thinners for 45 days while the heart tissue grows over the device. If healing goes well, your doctor may stop the blood thinners and give you clopidogrel (Plavix®) and aspirin for 6 months, then you’ll continue taking aspirin regularly.

With these innovative, life-changing treatments, we’re here to support your heart health every step of the way.