What is interventional cardiology?
Certain heart or chest vessel procedures can be performed without having to open up the thorax. These procedures are performed by endovascular means, i.e., by passing surgical tools inside an artery or a vein. The puncture point is in the groin, wrist or neck, and the procedure, which used to be performed through surgery, can then be carried out in the heart.
These techniques are performed by certain specialised cardiologists (interventional cardiology) or cardiac surgeons (TAVI, MitraClip, etc.). The use of interventional cardiology shortens the recovery time and removes the need for surgery. Certain large vessels located outside the thorax (abdominal aorta, renal arteries, etc.) are thus accessible for procedures that can also be performed by endovascular means.
Which health professional to consult for heart and cardiovascular diseases ?
A cardiologist is the specialised doctor that you should see for heart disease or cardiovascular disease. A cardiologist specialising in interventional cardiology will carry out additional heart tests or administer endovascular treatments.
What are the treatments in interventional cardiology ?
The following procedures may be carried out by endovascular means :
- Coronary angiography
- Coronary angioplasty
- TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)
- Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure
- Alcohol septal ablation
- Aortic dilatation
- ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) closure
- Peripheral angioplasty
- Mitral dilatation
- Atrial occlusion
- MitraClip
- Renal dilatation.
For some of these procedures, the interventional cardiologist may closely collaborate with a vascular surgeon, cardiac surgeon, cardiologist or anaesthetist.
Depending on your case and your health, your surgeon may recommend a stay in a cardiac rehabilitation centre. Drug treatment will very often be prescribed as soon as you are discharged, notably to balance coagulation.
Preparing for your hospital stay with ELSAN in France
How can I make an appointment ?
FAQ
How can I obtain a visa?
To obtain your visa for France, you will need to apply to the French Embassy in your country of residence. Once you have paid the care cost estimate provided by the ELSAN International Patients Department, you will be sent a letter of invitation and a certificate of payment signed by the hospital where your procedure will take place. These documents should be attached to your visa application.
What about follow-up treatment?
Depending on your personal situation, your medical team may recommend a rehabilitation hospital stay. This will be discussed with you.
How long before I can fly?
Your doctor will make specific recommendations. We suggest that you ask them to issue a Fit to Fly certificate, as depending on your medical situation, it may be necessary to respect a certain time limit in the interest of your health.
Will I be reimbursed?
For patients not covered by French health insurance, we provide an estimate of the cost of treatment. You should submit this estimate, along with your treatment plan, to your insurer to obtain their prior agreement, in accordance with your insurance policy.
In some cases insurers will pay directly (avoiding any advance payments by the policyholder) or reimburse the policyholder on proof of payment (paid invoice). This will depend on your insurance policy.