Interventional Cardiology Division

About the AHN Interventional Cardiology Division

Our Interventional Cardiology Division specializes in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases using minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures. Rather than traditional open-heart surgery, interventional cardiologists use thin, flexible tubes (catheters) that are carefully inserted into blood vessels (typically in the groin, arm, or wrist) and guided to the heart or blood vessels. Using this method allows our specially trained cardiologists to perform various diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

The primary goal of interventional cardiology is to address structural heart problems, including leaky valves or narrow (stenotic) valves, clear blockages, or repair defects from within the blood vessels or heart chambers, often leading to faster recovery times and less discomfort compared to conventional surgery.

Appointments

Cardiovascular Institute

(412) DOCTORS

412-362-8677

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Why choose AHN?

At AHN, our interventional cardiologists practice cutting-edge procedures using evidence-based medicine to our patients with a wide variety of interventions through advanced techniques and newer technologies through major clinical trials. We do this using a compassionate and patient-centered approach that prioritizes your individual needs. It’s also our priority to provide care that closer to home, and our outreach programs can connect you to the AHN facilities near you.

What is the difference between general cardiology and interventional cardiology?

General cardiology serves as the foundational specialty in heart care, much like the primary care provider for the cardiovascular system. General cardiologists focus on the diagnosis, long-term medical management, and prevention of a wide array of heart and blood vessel conditions. Their responsibilities include identifying issues like heart failure, arrhythmias, hypertension, and various forms of coronary artery disease through non-invasive diagnostic tests such as EKGs, echocardiograms, and stress tests. They are experts in prescribing and managing medications, guiding patients on crucial lifestyle modifications, and providing ongoing, holistic care. When you need more specialized support or a different procedure, the general cardiologist plays a vital role in recognizing this need and coordinating referrals to appropriate sub-specialists.

When you need highly specialized care, interventional cardiology is often the answer. It differs from general cardiology by specifically concentrating on performing minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures to actively treat structural heart defects and arterial blockages. While general cardiologists diagnose and manage, interventional cardiologists are the proceduralists who directly correct many cardiovascular problems. Their expertise includes critical procedures like coronary angioplasty and stenting to open blocked arteries, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or mitral valve replacement (TMVR) for valvular disease and closing congenital heart defects like patent foramen ovale for stroke prevention (PFO) or atrial septal defects (ASDs). Interventional cardiologists often work in high-stakes environments, such as during a heart attack where rapid intervention can be lifesaving. Both specialties work collaboratively, with general cardiologists often referring patients to interventional cardiologists for specific procedures and then resuming long-term management post-intervention.

Who performs interventional cardiology?

Interventional cardiologists who have completed this rigorous and multi-stage training pathway are qualified to perform interventional cardiology procedures. The extensive training includes:

Medical school: Earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
Internal medicine residency: Completing a three-year residency in internal medicine.
Cardiovascular disease fellowship: Completing a three-year fellowship specifically in general cardiology, which covers the diagnosis and medical management of various heart conditions.
Interventional cardiology fellowship: After completing the general cardiology fellowship, they undertake an additional one to two-year specialized fellowship focused entirely on interventional cardiology procedures and techniques. This advanced training provides them with the expertise to perform catheter-based interventions.

Treating cardiovascular conditions

Our Interventional Cardiology Division provides a rapid, effective, and often a less-invasive alternative to surgery for many cardiovascular conditions, focusing on restoring blood flow, repairing structural defects, and preventing serious cardiac events.

Emergency procedures

Our Cardiogenic Shock Team has interventional cardiologists ready to provide consultation and advice for patients critically ill in our hospitals. We can then help transfer the patient to Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) for additional advanced cardiac care.

Sometimes, your heart or lungs might need significant help to do their job, especially if they are very sick or injured. Our interventional cardiologists work closely with a specialized team called the SHOCK team to provide this advanced support. We use special devices that can temporarily take over the work of your heart or lungs. Think of these devices as an artificial heart and lung working outside your body. They help circulate your blood and deliver oxygen when your own organs can't.

One of these powerful technologies is called ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). ECMO is used in situations where your heart and/or lungs are severely struggling. It keeps your body functioning while our doctors work to treat the underlying problem.

In very critical situations, like a cardiac arrest (when the heart suddenly stops), we can even use ECMO alongside CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths). This combined approach, called ECPR, gives patients the best possible chance of recovery.

Our goal is to provide life-sustaining support while our heart specialists diagnose and treat the root cause of your condition. We're here to give your heart and lungs the assistance they need to heal.

Fistula closures

A fistula is an abnormal connection between two surfaces, such as organs, vessels, or intestines, that normally do not connect. Coronary Artery Fistulas (CAF) are an abnormal connection between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber (e.g., right atrium, right ventricle, left ventricle), or a major vessel like the pulmonary artery or coronary sinus. Interventional cardiologists can use catheters to deliver and coils or other occlusion devices (like Amplatzer vascular plugs) into the fistula to block the abnormal connection, which then restores normal blood flow patterns and relieving symptoms.

Resistant hypertension

We can treat patients with resistant hypertension (high blood pressure that does not respond well to medication) using a procedure called renal denervation (RDN). Allegheny General Hospital is the first to use renal denervation in Western PA in clinical trials. During the procedure, a thin, flexible catheter is inserted into an artery, usually in the groin, and guided to the renal (kidney) arteries. Once in place, the catheter delivers energy (often radiofrequency or ultrasound) to the nerve fibers located in the walls of these arteries. This energy disrupts or ablates overactive sympathetic nerves, which in turn can lead to a reduction in blood pressure.

Pulmonary hypertension

For patients experiencing high blood pressure in their lungs (pulmonary hypertension) due to old, persistent blood clots in their lung arteries (chronic pulmonary embolism), a heart specialist (interventional cardiologist) can perform a procedure called Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty (BPA). This procedure uses a small balloon to open up the narrowed lung arteries, aiming to improve blood flow and reduce lung pressure. This procedure is minimally invasive and catheter-based, designed to open the narrowed or blocked pulmonary arteries. It can be an alternative for inoperable conditions or those who have persistent pulmonary hypertension after traditional surgery.

Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot (usually originating from the deep veins in the legs; a condition called deep vein thrombosis or DVT) travels through the bloodstream and lodges in the pulmonary arteries of the lungs. This blocks blood flow to parts of the lungs, impairs blood and oxygen flow, and can put significant strain on the right side of the heart. Interventional cardiologists can treat this condition using:

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (CDT): Instead of giving clot-busting drugs systemically (throughout the whole body), a catheter is guided directly into the pulmonary artery, into or near the blood clot. A lower dose of clot busting medication or thrombolytic is then infused directly into the clot over several hours.
Catheter Embolectomy (Thrombectomy): Several types of catheters are used to physically remove the clot from the pulmonary arteries.
IVC Filter Placement (Inferior Vena Cava Filter): While not directly treating the existing PE, an interventional cardiologist might place an IVC filter in the inferior vena cava (the large vein that brings deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart). This is done in patients with DVT who have aversions to blood thinner or anticoagulation, or if recurrent PE despite adequate anticoagulation.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, most commonly in the legs, but sometimes in the arms or other areas. These clots can partially or completely block blood flow in the vein. Interventional cardiologists can treat this condition using:

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (CDT): Similar to its use in PE, a catheter is threaded directly into the thrombosed deep vein. Clot-busting medication is then infused directly into the clot to dissolve it.
Catheter-Based Thrombectomy (Mechanical Thrombectomy): Various mechanical devices are used through a catheter to physically break up and remove the blood clot from the deep vein.
Venous stenting: After successful clot removal (either by thrombolysis or thrombectomy), the underlying vein might be narrowed or compressed (e.g., May-Thurner Syndrome). An interventional cardiologist can place a stent to keep the vein open, preventing future clot formation in that segment and improving long-term flow.

Cardiovascular conditions diagnosis

We use a comprehensive approach to identify the presence, nature, and severity of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. This process is crucial for guiding appropriate treatment and improving patient health outcomes. It typically begins with a thorough understanding of the patient's medical history and symptoms, followed by a combination of physical examinations and specialized diagnostic tests, which include:

Cardiac catheterization (coronary angiography): This is a primary diagnostic tool. A catheter is guided to the coronary arteries, and a dye is injected to see any blockages or narrowing using X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy). This helps assess the extent and severity of coronary artery disease.
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT): These advanced imaging techniques use catheters to provide detailed images from inside the blood vessels, offering a more precise view of plaque composition and vessel structure than coronary angiography alone. In addition, such imaging helps the cardiologist know where the to place the stent in the coronary arteries.
Physiological measurements: Techniques using specialized wires allow the measurement of blood flow in the arteries such as fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) to determine the severity of the blockage. Other specialized wires help determine coronary microvascular dysfunction, a condition seen in women and diabetic patients, where tiny arteries in the heart fail to provide adequate blood supply.

HCM septal reduction therapies

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition where the heart's walls are abnormally thickened. This condition, which can also be called hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) or idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS), compromises the heart's ability to perform its essential pumping duties efficiently. Our experienced interventional cardiologists perform procedures that can thin your heart’s walls, which improve your overall cardiovascular health.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) treatment

Our approach encompasses a range of strategies aimed at alleviating symptoms, preventing disease progression, and reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Given that CAD results from the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, treatment approaches are often multi-faceted, ranging from lifestyle modifications and medication to advanced interventional procedures and intravascular surgery. The specific course of treatment is always tailored to the individual patient's condition, the severity of their disease, and their overall health profile. Treatment may include:

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)/angioplasty with stenting: This is the most common procedure. A balloon is inflated at the site of a blockage in a coronary artery to open it, often followed by the placement of a small, expandable mesh tube (stent) to keep the artery open.
Treatment of calcified arteries with atherectomy (devices are used to cut, shave, or vaporize the plaque), Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL-ballon that delivers ultrasound to fragment calcified plaque): These techniques are used before or during angioplasty.
Performing chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO-PCI): Performing coronary interventions on blockages that are 100% blocked and hard to open by routine techniques. Our interventional team has physicians who are specialized in such procedures with high success rates.

Structural heart disease treatment

We manage and correct defects or abnormalities in the heart's walls, valves, or major blood vessels, as opposed to issues related to electrical rhythms or coronary artery blockages. These conditions can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life due to aging, infection, or other diseases. While some structural defects might require open-heart surgery, significant advancements in medical technology have led to a growing array of minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures, offering effective treatment options with potentially faster recovery times and fewer risks for many patients.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) / Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI): A minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed or leaky aortic valve with a new one as an alternative for traditional open-heart surgery.
Transcatheter mitral valve repair (MitraClip) and Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR): Procedures to treat mitral regurgitation (a leaky mitral valve) by clipping the leaflets of the valve together or replacing the valve.
Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Repair System (TriClip) and Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement (TTVR): Procedures to treat leaky and stenotic tricuspid valves by clipping the leaflets of the valve together or replacing them.
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure: Catheter-based procedures to close holes between the heart's upper chambers to prevent stroke or to close large heart chamber communications.
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) Closure: Closing holes between the heart's lower chambers.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO): Procedures like the WATCHMAN™* and Amplatzer™ Amulet™** device implantation to close off the left atrial appendage, reducing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot take blood thinners.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) treatment

We manage symptoms to slow the progression of atherosclerosis in the peripheral arteries and reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, and limb amputation. Since PAD is often a marker of systemic vascular disease, treatment strategies are comprehensive, addressing both local arterial blockages and overall cardiovascular health. The approach typically involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medication, and, for more advanced cases, minimally invasive procedures or surgery to restore adequate blood flow to the affected limbs. Similar to coronary interventions, peripheral angioplasty and stenting are performed in arteries outside the heart, typically in the legs, arms, or kidneys, to treat blockages. Carotid artery stenting to prevent stroke.

Management of acute cardiovascular events

We provide urgent medical interventions and strategies employed when a sudden, life-threatening condition affecting the heart or blood vessels occurs. These events, such as a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or acute heart failure, demand immediate and decisive action to stabilize the patient, minimize damage to vital organs, and prevent further complications. The primary goals of acute management are typically rapid diagnosis, prompt restoration of blood flow (where appropriate), alleviation of symptoms, and initiation of therapies to preserve function and improve long-term outcomes.

Primary PCI for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): Rapid emergency angioplasty and stenting to open a blocked coronary artery during a heart attack, restoring blood flow, and minimizing heart muscle damage.

Research and education

Our interventional cardiology division is involved in a wide variety of clinical trials involving new devices, new procedures, and cutting-edge technologies. Our faculty have academic appointments with Drexel University; we support three interventional cardiology fellowship positions yearly and are involved in educating general cardiology fellows, residents, and other health care professionals.

WATCHMAN™ is a trademark of Boston Scientific and used with permission.

The Amplatzer™ Amulet™ Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occluder is a medical device trademarked by Abbott Laboratories

Cardiovascular condition specialists

The team of cardiovascular condition specialists at AHN are not only highly trained and skilled, but they also offer compassionate and comprehensive care to all their patients. At AHN, we see you and your specific cardiac needs. Using a multidisciplinary approach, our cardiovascular condition specialists work to coordinate your care and collaborate to support all areas of your health.

Directors

David M Lasorda, DO

System Division Director

John Wilson, MD

Director of Cannonsburg Cardiology

Interventional Cardiology Fellowship

Mithun Chakravarthy, MD

Program Director

Adnan Khalif, MD

Associate Director

Catheter Labs

Ramzi Khalil, MD

Director

Saad Tabbara, MD

Director, Armstrong County Regional

Cardiology ICU

Karthikeyan Ranganathan, MD

Co-Director

Adnan Khalif, MD

Co-Director

Interventional Cardiology

Francis Redican, MD

Interventional Cardiologist

Clinical trials and research

Our Interventional Cardiology Division is always looking for innovative technologies and approaches. If you would like to participate in a clinical trial and help our innovative team discover groundbreaking treatment solutions, ask your doctor if you are eligible to participate in one. Find currently active clinical trials that are open for participation.

Cardiovascular Research Institute

AHN’s Cardiovascular Research Institute is established on more than 100 years of innovation, spanning diverse areas of focus, including research for the latest in heart disease treatments. Our qualified team and heart disease prevention doctors take pride in utilizing new devices and medications, as well as state-of-the-art devices, technology, and therapies, to help revolutionize care for heart disease patients.

What is a clinical trial?

Clinical trials are studies that try to answer questions about new ways to treat your condition. You participate in a clinical trial only if you volunteer to do so and meet criteria for inclusion in the study, and you can stop participating in a trial at any time.

Who can join a clinical trial?

The plan for the trial, called a protocol, explains what the trial will do and how the study will be done. Based on the questions the research is trying to answer, each clinical trial protocol outlines specific criteria necessary to be eligible to join the trial.

Common criteria for entering a trial are:

Having a certain type of disease.
Having received a certain kind of therapy in the past.
Being in a certain age group.
Federal rules help ensure that clinical trials are run in an ethical manner, with your rights and safety protected. It’s to ensure that you’re not put at increased risk by participating in the trial, and that the results of the study are accurate and meaningful.

Refer your patient to an AHN specialist

There are two ways for medical professionals, who are not a part of Allegheny Health Network, to refer their patients to an AHN specialist and request their first appointment. You can:

Call (412) DOCTORS 412-362-8677.
Go to Find Care to find the right AHN specialist and the most convenient location. Then refer your patient, provide relevant patient details, and request an appointment directly from the doctor's profile.

For more information about referring your patient to an AHN specialist, read the Independent Physician Referral FAQs.

After referring your patient

Once your patient is receiving care from an AHN specialist, you can view their test results, see their treatment plan, follow their treatment progress, and collaborate with our team using the EpicCare^® Link™ platform.

If you are new to EpicCare Link, or need to request your own EpicCare Link account, read: EpicCare Link for Patient Follow-up, for user instructions and new account request forms.

When EpicCare Link is not an option for a patient's AHN medical records

If you can't access your patient's AHN test results through the EpicCare Link platform, your patient will need to complete and submit the correct AHN Medical Records Release form, based on their state of residency. Support your patient's request by downloading the correct medical records release form for them:

EpicCare® is a registered trademark of Epic Systems Corporation and used with permission.

EpicCare® Link™ is a trademark of Epic Systems Corporation and used with permission.