Interventional Cardiology at QCG — Minimally Invasive Heart Procedures
What is Interventional Cardiology?
Interventional cardiology is a subspecialty of cardiology focused on diagnosing and treating heart conditions, particularly coronary artery disease, using catheter-based techniques. Unlike open-heart surgery, interventional procedures are performed through a small incision in the wrist or leg, using thin, flexible tubes (catheters) guided to the heart.
"Interventional cardiology involves procedures related to your heart arteries. We do a type of keyhole surgery in which we go through an artery in the arm or the leg to get to the heart. We can hen introduce equipment to do various interventions…”
These procedures are typically performed in a cardiac catheter laboratory under local anaesthetic, with most patients returning home the same day or the day after.
Our Interventional Cardiology Services
Diagnostic Procedures
Coronary Angiography (Angiogram) — A diagnostic procedure that uses contrast dye and X-ray to visualise the coronary arteries and identify any blockages or narrowing.
Coronary Interventions
Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting — A minimally invasive procedure to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries using a balloon catheter and a stent (a small mesh tube) to restore blood flow.
Complex Coronary Interventions — For patients with more challenging disease, including heavily calcified arteries and left main disease. QCG has expertise in advanced techniques including rotational atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy (shockwave), and intravascular imaging-guided procedures.
Coronary Assessment
Intravascular Imaging (IVUS / OCT) — Specialised cameras inserted into the artery to provide detailed, objective measurements of disease and guide stent placement.
"Intravascular imaging involves taking special catheters that create high definition images of your arteries with ultrasound or light waves. It helps us measure the artery, define the type of plaque and help plan stenting. Based on a few research trials, people have better long-term outcomes if you use intravascular imaging."
Coronary Physiology / Pressure Wire Assessment — Measures blood flow and pressure within the coronary arteries to determine whether a narrowing requires treatment.
Structural Heart Procedures
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) — A catheter-based procedure to replace a diseased aortic valve without open-heart surgery.
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure — Closing a small hole between the heart chambers to reduce the risk of stroke.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion — A procedure to reduce stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Percutaneous Mitral and Aortic Valvuloplasty — Balloon-based treatment of narrowed heart valves.
How does Interventional Cardiology differ from General Cardiology?
All interventional cardiologists are also trained general cardiologists. Interventional cardiology is an additional subspecialty requiring dedicated fellowship training in catheter-based procedures.
"Like all of the QCG cardiologists, I am still a general cardiologist. Interventional cardiology is my subspecialty — my special interest. Interventional cardiologists deal with plaque or cholesterol plaque in the artery and treat that through various invasive procedures."
At QCG, our interventional cardiologists work alongside general cardiologists, imaging specialists, and electrophysiologists as part of a multidisciplinary team, ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate care for their condition.
What to Expect
Most interventional procedures follow a similar pathway:
- Referral and Consultation — Your GP or specialist refers you to a QCG cardiologist for assessment
- Diagnostic Testing — Your cardiologist may recommend non-invasive tests (stress test, CT scan) before proceeding to an angiogram
- The Procedure — Performed in a cardiac catheter laboratory under local anaesthetic, typically as a day procedure
- Recovery — Most patients can walk immediately after the procedure and return home the same day or the following day
- Follow-Up — Ongoing monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle support
"Often after an uncomplicated stent, patients can go home the next day. They can immediately start to walk around again. These are some of the benefits of a stenting procedure."
Our Interventional Cardiologists
QCG’s interventional cardiology team includes:
- Dr Alex Roati — Director, QCG. Interventional Cardiologist with expertise in coronary angiography, coronary angioplasty and stenting, and acute coronary syndromes.
- Dr Maggie He — Interventional Cardiologist with subspecialty expertise in complex coronary interventions, intravascular imaging, and calcium modification techniques. ANZET Fellowship trained (Leeds General Infirmary, UK).
Referrals
Referrals for interventional cardiology assessment and procedures are accepted from GPs and specialists across Queensland.
📞 (07) 3016 1111 | 📧 bookings@qcg.com.au
