TREATMENTS FOR YOUR HEART
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
This procedure, otherwise known as stenting, is done by an interventional cardiologist and involves treating a narrowing through keyhole surgery. The procedure is very similar to coronary angiography, except a small wire is passed up the plastic tube across the narrowing in the artery in the heart. A balloon can be passed over this wire and used to stretch the narrowing. A small metal scaffolding tube is then placed in the same way and remains in the artery, stopping the narrowing from returning. This procedure is done via the leg or the wrist. You may go home the same day or be asked to stay overnight depending on your case. We no longer do PCI procedures at Southampton Spire, they are done across the road at Southampton General Hospital in our state of the art cardiac unit. This has all the technology and backup necessary to do these procedures in the safest possible way.
Our PCI outcomes
All of our interventional cardiologists are highly experienced and our individual results are now published for the public to see. These results show our complications from stent procedures, known as Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Event (MACCE) rate. It shows the upper limit of our complication rate 'Upper 95% Confidence Limit', which is calculated from our case mix, compared to our actual MACCE report. It is not possible to compare consultants, as we all have different case mixes. However, it is important to see that the reported MACCE rate (blue bar) for each of us is below our predicted upper limit (Green bar). Most MACCE is due to the high risk emergency heart attack work we do at Southampton General Hospital. A detailed explanation of this whole process can be found on the public website.
General patient information on PCI, which is also known as Coronary Angioplasty or PTCA. You can also download our patient information leaflet below.
Our PCI outcomes
All of our interventional cardiologists are highly experienced and our individual results are now published for the public to see. These results show our complications from stent procedures, known as Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Event (MACCE) rate. It shows the upper limit of our complication rate 'Upper 95% Confidence Limit', which is calculated from our case mix, compared to our actual MACCE report. It is not possible to compare consultants, as we all have different case mixes. However, it is important to see that the reported MACCE rate (blue bar) for each of us is below our predicted upper limit (Green bar). Most MACCE is due to the high risk emergency heart attack work we do at Southampton General Hospital. A detailed explanation of this whole process can be found on the public website.
General patient information on PCI, which is also known as Coronary Angioplasty or PTCA. You can also download our patient information leaflet below.
| pci_information_leaflet.pdf |
Permanent Pacemaker, Defibrillators (ICD) and Biventricular pacing
Pacemakers are most commonly required for patients with a history of collapse or dizzy spells, when ECG monitoring shows that this is due to a slow heart rate. A pacemaker comprises two main components, the “pacemaker box” which contains a battery and electrical circuit, and the pacing leads (usually one or two leads are required) which are passed along a blood vessel to the heart. The wires can sense when the heart beats normally and if the heart beats too slowly they can produce an electrical impulse to stimulate the heart. The pacemaker box is usually sited under the skin on the upper chest below the collar bone. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic with sedation if needed. Patients usually need to stay one night in hospital.
Occasionally you may need a specialised pacemaker called an Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD). These can detect and treat dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, with an internal shock to restart the heart if needed. The are a number of conditions where implantation of an ICD may be needed, for example you would often be prescribed one if you have suffered a previous cardiac arrest. If an ICD is implanted for heart failure you may have a third lead to help resynchronise the heart, discussed below.
A different type of pacemaker, known as a biventricular pacemaker or cardiac resynchronisation therapy is available for certain patients with heart failure. This usually requires 3 leads and improves the timing of the heart which usually leads to improved quality of life and has been shown to prolong life. These pacemakers are only suitable for certain individuals; whether you would benefit from one of these devices should be discussed with your Consultant.
Further information on pacing can be found at the BHF website or the arrythmia alliance website.
Occasionally you may need a specialised pacemaker called an Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD). These can detect and treat dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, with an internal shock to restart the heart if needed. The are a number of conditions where implantation of an ICD may be needed, for example you would often be prescribed one if you have suffered a previous cardiac arrest. If an ICD is implanted for heart failure you may have a third lead to help resynchronise the heart, discussed below.
A different type of pacemaker, known as a biventricular pacemaker or cardiac resynchronisation therapy is available for certain patients with heart failure. This usually requires 3 leads and improves the timing of the heart which usually leads to improved quality of life and has been shown to prolong life. These pacemakers are only suitable for certain individuals; whether you would benefit from one of these devices should be discussed with your Consultant.
Further information on pacing can be found at the BHF website or the arrythmia alliance website.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Many patients benefit from Cardiac Rehabilitation following heart surgery or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. More information on Cardiac Rehabilitation and where to find your local group.
TAVI
Renal denervation for high blood pressure
More information can be found on our dedicated webpage on this.
The British Heart Foundation website is an excellent source of information about all things related to your heart including: prevention, symptoms, tests, treatments and recovery.
The British Heart Foundation website is an excellent source of information about all things related to your heart including: prevention, symptoms, tests, treatments and recovery.