OUR SERVICES / HEART CARE
Advanced Cardiovascular Procedures
Specialized cardiovascular procedures delivered with clinical expertise, personalized attention, and compassionate care. Our cardiologists help patients throughout Crystal Lake, Barrington, and the surrounding communities receive the care they need for better heart and vascular health.
Personalized Cardiovascular Care
Expert Care, Every Step of the Way
At Illinois Cardiovascular Specialists, our physicians provide comprehensive cardiovascular care, including advanced diagnostic and interventional procedures.
Whether you need a procedure to evaluate coronary artery disease, restore healthy blood flow, or manage an abnormal heart rhythm, our team is committed to helping you understand your treatment options.
The procedures described below are performed in a hospital setting. Our team will guide you through the recommended treatment and preparation process.
Explore Our Cardiovascular Procedures
Learn more about the procedures our cardiologists perform, what they involve, and how to prepare for your care.
Cardiac Catheterization
What Is Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate the heart and its blood vessels. It allows your cardiologist to examine blood flow through the coronary arteries
and identify areas of narrowing or blockage.
What Should I Expect?
During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually through the wrist or groin, and carefully guided toward the heart.
Contrast dye may be injected so the coronary arteries can be viewed using X-ray imaging. Your physician may also measure pressures within the heart. If a significant blockage is identified,
additional treatment, such as angioplasty or stenting, may be recommended.
How Do I Prepare?
Our care team will provide instructions about eating, drinking, medications, and transportation before your procedure. Be sure to tell your physician about medications, allergies, and any previous reactions to contrast material.
Coronary Angioplasty & Stenting
What Is Coronary Angioplasty?
Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle.
What Should I Expect?
Your cardiologist guides a catheter into the affected artery. A small balloon may be inflated to widen the narrowed area.
In many cases, a stent, which is a small expandable mesh tube, is placed inside the artery to help keep it open. Your physician will determine whether stenting is appropriate based on
your condition.
How Do I Prepare?
Follow the specific instructions provided by your care team regarding fasting, medications, and transportation. After the procedure, you will receive guidance about activity restrictions, follow-up appointments, and any prescribed medications.
If a stent is placed, it is especially important to take prescribed antiplatelet medications exactly as directed. Do not stop these medications without speaking with your treating physician.
Electrical Cardioversion
What Is Electrical Cardioversion?
Electrical cardioversion is a procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with certain abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
What Should I Expect?
During the procedure, medication is typically administered to help you sleep comfortably. Special pads placed on the chest deliver a controlled electrical shock to the heart.
The goal is to restore a normal heart rhythm. Your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and other vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure and recovery.
How Do I Prepare?
Your care team will explain any fasting requirements and provide instructions about your medications, including blood thinners when applicable. You will generally need someone to drive you home afterward because of the sedation.
Peripheral Angiography
What Is Peripheral Angiography?
Peripheral angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to examine blood flow through arteries outside the heart, particularly those supplying the legs.
It can help identify narrowed or blocked arteries associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD).
What Should I Expect?
A thin catheter is guided into a blood vessel, and contrast dye is injected while X-ray images are obtained.
These images help your cardiologist identify areas of restricted blood flow. Depending on the findings, treatment options may include balloon angioplasty, stenting, or other vascular interventions.
How Do I Prepare?
Your care team will provide instructions about eating, drinking, medications, and transportation. Inform your physician about allergies, kidney problems, and any medications you take.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
What Is a TEE?
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a specialized ultrasound examination that provides detailed images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and surrounding structures.
What Should I Expect?
During the procedure, medication is typically administered to help you relax or sleep, and your throat may be numbed.
A thin, flexible ultrasound probe is carefully passed through the mouth into the esophagus. Because the esophagus is located close to the heart, this allows detailed ultrasound images to be obtained.
How Do I Prepare?
Your care team will provide specific instructions about fasting and medications. You will generally need someone to drive you home following sedation.
Tell your physician about swallowing difficulties or any known problems involving your esophagus before the procedure.
Important Patient Information:
Procedure preparation and recovery instructions vary based on your individual medical needs. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your cardiologist and hospital care team.
Your Heart Health Is Our Priority
Our team is committed to providing experienced, compassionate cardiovascular care in Crystal Lake and Barrington, Illinois.