Our Services
Cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are performed to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease using minimally invasive, catheter-based techniques.
Our interventional cardiologists perform procedures in accredited hospital-based cardiac catheterization laboratories, adhering to national quality, safety, and appropriateness standards.
Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization
Left heart catheterization
Right heart catheterization
Coronary angiography
Hemodynamic assessment
Shunt evaluation (when indicated)
Diagnostic catheterization provides definitive evaluation of coronary anatomy and intracardiac pressures when noninvasive testing is inconclusive or when high-risk clinical features are present.
Radial (Wrist) vs Femoral (Groin) Access
Cardiac catheterization and PCI can be performed through either the radial artery (wrist) or the femoral artery (groin). Whenever appropriate, we prioritize a radial-first approach, which is supported by contemporary guidelines and associated with improved patient comfort and safety.
Radial Access (Wrist)
Lower risk of bleeding and vascular complications
Greater patient comfort with immediate ability to sit up and walk after the procedure
Shorter recovery time and earlier discharge
Preferred approach for most diagnostic and interventional procedures, including many complex cases
Femoral Access (Groin)
Used when specific anatomical or procedural considerations require larger access or specialized equipment
May be preferred in certain complex or high-risk interventions
Provides reliable access for advanced structural or hemodynamic support devices when needed
Our interventional cardiologists select the access approach based on patient anatomy, procedural complexity, and safety considerations, ensuring optimal outcomes while minimizing risk.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
Coronary balloon angioplasty
Coronary stenting with Drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation
Complex coronary intervention
PCI restores blood flow to the heart muscle in patients with significant coronary artery disease and is performed according to ACC/AHA guideline-directed indications.
Advanced PCI Techniques
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Fractional flow reserve (FFR) / instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR)
Rotational and orbital atherectomy
Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL)
These advanced technologies enable precise lesion assessment, physiologic evaluation, and stent optimization, leading to improved outcomes in complex coronary disease.
Acute & Complex Coronary Care
Management of acute coronary syndromes (NSTEMI, STEMI)
Chronic total occlusion (CTO) intervention (selected cases)
Multivessel and high-risk PCI
Coordination with cardiothoracic surgery through a heart team–based approach
Post-Procedure Care & Long-Term Management
Same-day or next-day discharge when clinically appropriate
Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) management
Risk factor modification and secondary prevention
Long-term follow-up and coordination with primary care
Who May Benefit From Catheterization or PCI?
- Patients with abnormal stress or imaging studies
- Individuals with angina or equivalent symptoms
- Patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes
- Patients with high-risk coronary anatomy or persistent symptoms despite medical therapy
Quality, Safety & Guidelines
All procedures are performed in accordance with:
- ACC/AHA/SCAI guidelines
- National quality metrics and appropriate use criteria
- Shared decision-making and informed consent standards
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cardiac catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate the coronary arteries and heart function. A catheter is inserted through an artery (typically in the wrist or groin) and advanced to the heart to perform angiography and measure intracardiac pressures.
What is a coronary stent?
A coronary stent is a small mesh tube placed in a narrowed or blocked coronary artery during PCI. Drug-eluting stents release medication to reduce the risk of re-narrowing and are the standard of care in most cases.
When do I need a cardiac catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is recommended for patients with abnormal stress tests, persistent chest pain, or suspected high-risk coronary artery disease. It is also performed emergently in patients with heart attacks.
Is PCI the same as open-heart surgery?
No. PCI is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that does not require open-heart surgery. Most patients recover quickly and can return to normal activities within a short period.
How long does recovery take after PCI?
Many patients are discharged the same day or the following day. Most can resume normal activities within a few days, depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual clinical factors.
Are these procedures safe?
Cardiac catheterization and PCI are routinely performed and generally safe. Risks are low but vary depending on patient factors and procedural complexity. Your cardiologist will review risks and benefits in detail prior to the procedure.
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What Our Patients Say
BEEN Seeing Dr. MASTERS for over 40 years. I trust him with my life. He’s honest & forthright, cares, & really listens & communicates! And he’s a good friend as well as my cardiologist. So it doesn’t get any better than that in this age of slam bam thank you mam medicine.
– Dan
Dr. John Nader Bahadorani is an exceptional doctor! His professionalism, compassion, and expertise make him a standout in his field. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch care. His dedication to his patients is truly impressive.
– Khatereh