Tests & Procedures

Common Tests Performed in Our Offices

When having a medical test or procedure in the office, you will receive instruction from the Heart Institute staff on how to prepare for the specific test. Some tests require you to refrain from taking your prescribed medicine. Please be sure to ask if you have any questions concerning your test or procedure. Your comfort and needs are very important to us. We will be happy to go over any information with you.

• - Resting Electrogardiogram (EKG)
• - Treadmill Exercise Stress Test
• - Nuclear Stress Test: Preparation Instructions
• - Muga Scan
• - Echocardiogram (alternative site: seemyheart.org)
• - Stress Echocardiogram (alternative site: seemyheart.org)
• - Non-Invasive Vascular Studies
• - Holter/Event Monitors
• - Signal Averaged Electrocardiogram
• - Pacemaker/Defibrillator (ICD) Follow-up

Tests & Procedures Performed in the Hospital

When having a medical procedure at the hospital, you may be admitted, but will generally go home the same day. You should be fasting 8 hours prior to the procedure, depending on your circumstances. Your cardiologist will notify Lori Walp if you should continue taking your medication. You should be at the hospital 2 hours prior to the procedure. Depending on which procedure you are having, it may be approximately 1 1½ - 2 ½ hours.

• - Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE)
• - Cardiac Catherization (Coronary Angiography)
• - Peripheral Angiography
  
• - Intravascular Ultrasound ("IVUS")
• - Intra-aortic Balloon Pump
• - Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty ("PTCA" or "Angioplasty")
• - Coronary Atherectomy
• - Coronary Stents
• - Drug Coated Coronary Stents
• - Peripheral Transluminal Angioplasty ("PTA"), Atherectomy & Stents
• - Permanent Pacemaker Implantation
• - Electrical Cardioversion
• - Electrophysiological Studies ("EPS")
• - Radiofrequency Ablation
• - Automatic Implantable Cardioverter - Defibrillator ("AICD" or "ICD")
• - Balloon Valvuloplasty
• - Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting ("CABG")
• - Aortic Valve Surgery
• - Mitral Valve Surgery
• - Nuclear Imaging Stress Test