Heart and vascular surgery

As part of our complete heart care services, some of the procedures we offer include:

Coronary angioplasty

In a coronary angioplasty, a medical balloon is inserted into the coronary artery, which pushes the plaque against the artery wall and improves blood flow to your heart.

Coronary artery bypass

If one or more of your coronary arteries are blocked, blood can’t flow to the heart muscle. In this case, a heart attack or chest pain (angina) may occur. Coronary artery bypass surgery creates a path for blood to flow around a blockage to reduce the risk of further heart damage and symptoms.

Using a heart-lung machine

Coronary artery bypass surgery can be done with the heart still beating (off a pump machine) or with the heart still (on a pump machine). Your surgery team can tell you more about which type of procedure you will have.

Coronary atherectomy

In a coronary atherectomy, a special device is used to grind away the plaque within the artery, improving blood flow to your heart.

Peripheral angioplasty

In a peripheral angioplasty, a medical balloon is inserted into the peripheral artery to improve blood flow to your lower body, legs and arms.

Renal angioplasty

As part of a renal angioplasty, a medical balloon is inserted into the renal artery to improve blood flow to your kidneys. Additionally, a metal mesh tube (a stent) may be inserted into the artery to help keep it open.

Other heart surgeries

We also offer the following heart surgeries and procedures:

• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
• Coronary stenting
• Coronary thrombectomy
• Endomyocardial biopsy
• Intra-aortic balloon pump
• Maze and mini-maze procedures for atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Pericardiocentesis
• Peripheral atherectomy
• Septal defect closure
• Transmyocardial revascularization (TMR)
• Valve repair/replacement, including valvuloplasty

If you have a question about why your doctor is using one technique instead of the other, do not be afraid to ask. Our cardiovascular surgeons and heart care specialists will do everything they can to ensure you are comfortable with your treatment plan.

Care after a heart procedure

Typically after a heart surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery area. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how long to lie down and keep the surgical site still. Before going home, you may have other imaging exams or diagnostic lab tests. You will usually remain in the hospital for several hours or overnight.

In most cases, you will require rehabilitative care after your heart procedure. We provide this via cardiac rehab therapy, which helps reduce your recovery time and re-strengthen your heart muscle.

As part of our comprehensive vein care programs, our vascular surgeons and doctors offer many types of treatments and procedures, including:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair

AAA is a bulge in the portion of the aorta (a blood vessel) where it passes though the abdomen carrying blood to the abdominal organs, pelvis and legs. We surgically repair AAAs when the bulge grows too large or the aorta wall becomes too weak. In many cases, we offer minimally invasive procedures for this type of repair.

Carotid endarterectomy

Carotid endarterectomy is used to remove plaque from the carotid artery, which carries blood to the brain. We often perform this procedure to reduce the risk of having a stroke for patients who have had transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).

Femoropopliteal bypass surgery

Femoropopliteal bypass surgery is used to bypass a blocked artery in the leg, restoring proper blood flow to the lower leg and foot. Our surgeons use a vein from another part of the body, or an artificial vessel, to get around the blocked artery.

Varicose vein treatments

If you have discolored veins that are visible on your legs or other parts of your body, you may have varicose or spider veins. These aren't usually reasons for concern, but they may make you uncomfortable. If so, St. Mark's Hospital offers varicose and spider vein treatments that can help.