Interventional Cardiology
Part of Cardiovascular Health
Leaders in Interventional Cardiology
We use interventional cardiology to diagnose many heart and vascular problems. Interventional cardiology also helps us avoid surgery with treatments like angioplasty and valve repair or replacement.
Our doctors invented many technologies used today and they continue to innovate the field to advance your care options.
What We Offer You for Interventional Cardiology Care
- Specialized expertise in treating coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, and more. Go to Conditions Treated
- Advanced treatment options, from outpatient angioplasty to minimally invasive valve repair or replacement. Go to Treatments
- Clinical trials of promising therapies, providing you early access to new treatment options, when appropriate. Go to Clinical Trials
- Team-based approach, with experienced doctors from different specialties coming together to provide personalized care. Go to Your Care Team
- Comprehensive support for you and your family, from stress reduction to care coordination so you can focus on healing. Go to Support Services
- Ease of access to care, with timely appointments and specialists available by phone after-hours. Go to Accessing Care
Access to expertise in your local community through our network of Stanford Medicine affiliated doctors.
View Stanford Medicine affiliated doctors »
Interventional cardiologists undergo additional training to access your heart through various arteries and veins, using thin tubes called catheters. All of our team’s core members are board-certified and fellowship-trained in interventional cardiology and have at least 10 years of experience.
Our doctors are experts in all forms of minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat heart disease and structural heart conditions. Through clinical research, they have helped develop many of today’s leading procedures.
Our interventional cardiology team offers numerous treatment options for heart and vascular conditions:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Valvular heart disease
- Structural and non-valvular heart disease
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Resistant hypertension
- Atrial septal defect
- Patent foramen ovale
We constantly search for better ways to protect your heart and blood vessels. In addition to seeing you at each visit, our doctors adopt the latest techniques and conduct leading-edge research. They push further, with a spirit of innovation that extends from the lab to your care at our clinic.
INNOVATION HIGHLIGHT
Advanced treatment option for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis
Our heart surgeons are among the most experienced in the country in transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR. This revolutionary procedure gives new hope to those who are too sick to have open heart surgery for aortic valve replacement.
HEART DISEASE IS PREVENTABLE.
Treatments
Our program offers a wide range of treatments that avoid open heart surgery, a number of which are not widely available.
Heart valve repair or replacement
Treatments for arteries
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (angioplasty and stenting)
- Hybrid coronary revascularization
- Complex coronary intervention for chronic total occlusions
Heart defect repair
Reduction of stroke risk
Lifestyle changes and medication
Our doctors may determine that medication alone is enough to treat your heart disease. We may also recommend lifestyle changes to control high blood pressure, diabetes, and other risk factors.
Treatment by Condition
Our team provides a broad range of the latest catheter-based treatments. Options depend on your diagnosis, as well as your unique needs.
- Heart attack
- Obstructed coronary artery disease
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)
- Cardiogenic shock
- Aortic stenosis
- Mitral valve stenosis and regurgitation
- Prosthetic valve failure
Structural and non-valvular heart disease
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials for interventional cardiology evaluate promising techniques, test new stents and valves, and expand established treatments to more people. When appropriate, these studies may provide early access to the latest advances.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future. To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Maria Perlas at 650-725-5597. For TAVR trials, please contact Leigh Trautman at 650-725-3931.
Recent or ongoing research areas at Stanford include:
- Using a person’s own stem cells to:
- Treat cardiomyopathy and heart failure
- Restore cardiac muscle damaged by heart attack
- Relieve chest pain from obstructed coronary artery disease, when other treatments have not worked or are not possible
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for people with aortic stenosis and a low surgical risk
- Comparison of fractional flow reserve-guided percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease (FAME 3 trial)
- Evaluation of bioresorbable [MOU1] scaffolds for stent procedures (ABSORB trial)
Our doctors work with you to develop an individualized plan that considers your goals, concerns, and particular challenges. Each week, our interventional cardiology team meets with surgeons, radiologists, imaging cardiologists, and nurse practitioners to thoroughly discuss cases. This team approach helps us share ideas and bring the latest clinical data to your care strategy.
Your Doctors
Interventional Cardiologist
If you need heart care, you will likely work with an interventional cardiologist at some point. These doctors are specially trained cardiologists who can access your heart through an artery or vein using thin tubes called catheters. They can help with your initial consultation, diagnostic tests, or treatment.
View All {0} Interventional Cardiologists »Cardiothoracic Surgeons
Our interventional cardiologists collaborate with surgeons during your initial evaluation, to help you choose the best path of care. The two specialists also partner on newer, minimally invasive techniques, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and hybrid coronary revascularization.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses (RNs) who have advanced education and clinical training. They can perform physical exams, diagnose and treat health problems, order lab work and X-rays, prescribe medicines, and provide health information.
View All {0} Nurse Practitioners »Clinical Nurse Specialist
A clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice nurse who has completed graduate education. This specialist uses clinical expertise and research to improve patient outcomes. A clinical nurse specialist may devise and implement new strategies for nurses in a particular area, such as cancer, to improve patient care.
View All {0} Clinical Nurse Specialists »Stanford is an Academic Medical Center, which is a type of hospital setting where doctors teach medical students as they progress through medical school and training. Stanford Medicine is a partnership between Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care. Since Stanford is a teaching hospital, you can expect to meet many providers and providers in training.
- Attending Physician: a doctor who supervises doctors in training or in medical school
- Fellow: a doctor doing postgraduate level work and specializing in care of patients with interventional cardiology needs
- Resident: a doctor who has graduated from medical school and is in training (also called “residency”) here at Stanford. A resident is also called an intern
Extended Care Team
Nursing professionals manage all of your care, including appointment coordination, sharing your test results, and providing treatment. They also provide support and education so you and your family fully understand your care plan.
Nurse Coordinators
Nurse coordinators work closely with all members of the cardiovascular care team to coordinate your care throughout treatment. They also provide extensive education and support for you and your family.
NURSES
Clinical Nurses
Clinic nurses have specialty training in cardiac care and provide a range of services before, during, and after treatment. They also provide patient education to help you understand your treatment plan.
Device Nurses
Specialized nurses help you when you receive an implantable device to record your heart’s electrical activity or treat abnormal rhythms. They program your device, check its function, and capture and share data.
Technicians support your care by performing diagnostic tests. If needed, a device coordinator will help you get set up with an implantable device to monitor your heart’s activity from home.
Diagnostic Lab Technicians
Lab technicians support your care by performing diagnostic tests. They collect samples and analyze blood, tissue, urine, and other body substances to provide detailed information to help doctors identify your diagnosis.
Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technicians
These technicians use EKG equipment to test and monitor your heart’s electrical activity. Our technicians have years of expertise in all EKGs, including standard EKGs, exercise stress tests, and Holter monitoring.
Echosonographers
Echosonographers are experienced in heart ultrasound techniques and technology, including stress echo, 3-D echo, and Doppler echo. Echocardiography creates moving images of your heart to help doctors diagnose and treat your heart condition.
Device Coordinators
If you need an implantable device, our device coordinators help navigate the process before, during, and after the procedure. They provide education about your device, the implantation procedure, and ongoing home care.
Afib Prevention Program
The Afib Prevention Program evaluates patients for common risk factors, such as obesity, sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes, and works to identify non-surgical approaches to treat each person's afib symptoms.
Genetic Counselors
Cardiovascular genetic counselors in the Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease guide you through decision-making about genetic testing, family planning, and medical management. They also provide support and counseling to help you cope with having or being at risk for an inherited cardiovascular condition.
Psychologists
Our psychologists are behavioral medicine experts who specialize in cardiovascular medicine. They provide behavioral therapy and other services to help people living with a chronic heart condition or a heart device, such as a pacemaker or ICD.
Research Coordinators
Research nurse coordinators screen candidates who are eligible and willing to participate in our clinical research studies. They educate you about the process you will experience during the study and answer your questions.
Support Services
From our team approach to our full range of support services, our program focuses on your specific needs and preferences. Our nurse coordinators, case managers, and others dedicated staff will organize and manage your care from the start. We also offer a range of wellness programs to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
- Case Management
- Financial Counseling
- Guest Services
- Integrative Medicine (acupuncture, massage)
- Interpreter Services
- Lifestyle Modification Support
- Nutrition Services
- Psychologists with expertise in chronic heart conditions
- Spiritual Care
- Stanford Health Library
We go beyond offering specialized expertise and leading treatments to making our care accessible and convenient. Once contacted, we usually see people within a week, prioritizing those with more pressing needs. For many procedures, such as angioplasty, we can often safely send you home the same day so you do not need to stay in the hospital.
Convenient Care for All Your Cardiology Needs
Frequently Asked Questions
We participate in a wide range of insurance plans. View the list of insurance plans accepted by Stanford Health Care »
Have insurance or pre-authorization questions? The Patient Financial Clearance team is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., to answer your questions. Please call 650-724-4445 or 1-877-291-7335 (toll free).
When choosing a doctor, it is important to consider the doctor’s clinical training, experience, and expertise in a specialized area that matches your health care needs.
You can find the right Stanford doctor for you by using our doctor directory and filtering the results based on a medical category, specialty, or doctor’s last name. View a list of Interventional Cardiology doctors »
We offer a number of support services at the Heart and Vascular Center, including a Lifestyle Modification program, support groups, integrative medicine, nutrition services, a health library, and a variety of classes and events. Learn more about our support services »
You can call the Interventional Cardiology clinic directly to schedule an appointment with a Stanford Health Care doctor. Call 650-725-2621 to make an appointment.
We constantly search for better ways to protect your heart and blood vessels. The following are some examples of our ongoing clinical innovation.
- Using the radial artery: Programs like ours traditionally reach the heart through an artery in the groin. We were among the first to use the wrist’s radial artery, for greater comfort, less bleeding, and quicker recovery. Many people undergoing angioplasty can safely go home the same day.
- Improving stent treatment: We helped develop and quickly adopted specialized cardiac catheterization testing to measure the pressure and flow of blood and see inside clogged arteries to precisely place stents. We offer the first stent that dissolves after opening your artery, with no metal used or left in your body.
- Combining angioplasty with bypass: Before, blocked arteries often required open-heart surgery when angioplasty was not possible. Our hybrid coronary revascularization provides a new alternative, stenting some arteries and bypassing others. We do not open your chest or stop your heart.
- Advancing valve treatment: We were the first hospital in Northern California to perform transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We also have extensive experience with transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR). We provide options for people who cannot undergo surgery, with the potential to expand these treatments.
- Lowering stroke risk: We were the first center in Northern California to offer the WATCHMAN™ device once it gained FDA approval. We use it for left atrial appendage closure, reducing stroke risk for atrial fibrillation. We plan to study other stroke-reducing devices as they become available.
Yes, Stanford Health Care offers financial assistance for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Meet with one of our financial counselors to find the best approach to paying for your health care. Financial counselors are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Learn more about financial assistance services »
We strive to see new patients within one to two weeks.
Each of our doctors is scheduled to see patients only one day a week in the clinic. Other time obligations include performing procedures, routine patient management, and research and academic commitments.
Managing treatment for heart disease is a highly personalized process. Our care team guides you every step of the way. If your medical records have not yet been received by our office, one of our staff will advise you on how to obtain them, including:
- A complete list of medications and allergies
- Laboratory work within the last year
- Echocardiogram and/or stress test (report and CD)
- Open heart surgery report
Managing treatment for heart disease is a highly personalized process. Our care team guides you every step of the way. If your medical records have not yet been received by our office, one of our staff will advise you on obtaining them, including:
- A complete list of medications and allergies
- Laboratory work within the last year
- Echocardigram and/or stress test (report and CD)
- Open heart surgery report
Palo Alto Location
The Interventional Cardiology Clinic is located at the following address. Self-parking options are available for a fee. For more information, please see:
Heart and Vascular Center - Heart Clinic 1
300 Pasteur Drive
3rd Floor, Room A31
Stanford, CA 94305
Phone: 650-725-2621
Please plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment time due to construction near the main hospital campus. This will allow you plenty of time to park, locate your clinic, and complete any additional paperwork.
Please print, fill out, and return the Medical Record Release Form to your new patient coordinator. The medical release form is an authorization form for external facilities to release medical records to Stanford Health Care.
Please call our clinic receptionists at 650-725-2621. They are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to help you with rescheduling or canceling your appointment.
Always feel free to bring someone with you to your appointments. A family member or friend can help ask questions, remember the information your care team gives you, and provide support.
By California state law, you must let your care team know that you would like to record your conversation if you would like help remembering your discussion with your care team.
Write down your questions before your appointment and rank them in order of importance, beginning with the most important ones. If there is not enough time to have all of your questions answered during your appointment, ask your doctor who you can speak with to get your remaining questions answered.
You have multiple options when it comes to paying your bill.
- Pay Online:
- You can log in to MyHealth or the MyHealth mobile app to see and pay your bill.
Already have an account but need help logging in?
Contact the MyHealth Help Desk
- You can also pay as a guest to pay your bill without logging in.
- Pay by mail:
- Stanford Health Care
P.O. Box 740715, Los Angeles, CA 90074-0715
Los Angeles, CA 90074-0715
- Stanford Health Care
- Pay by Phone:
- You can call our Patient Billing Customer Service Office
1-800-549-3720.
- You can call our Patient Billing Customer Service Office
For our latest business hours and for more information about billing, visit our Billing page.
We offer a number of support services at the Heart and Vascular Center, including a Lifestyle Modification program, support groups, integrative medicine, nutrition services, a health library, and a variety of classes and events. Learn more about our support services »
Please call our clinic receptionists at 650-725-2621. They are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to help you reschedule or cancel your appointment.
To determine if a clinical trial is right for you, talk to your doctor. He or she can refer you to a research coordinator for more information on studies that may be right for your specific condition.
You can also find the guidelines for who can participate in a particular clinical trial online. However, it is best to work with your doctor to decide the right care approach for your needs.
View list of open interventional cardiology clinical trials at Stanford
Many of our programs are available to international patients.
Our International Medicine Services team can help you find the right doctor, estimate medical costs, book travel, and get you information about Stanford programs and services. Please call +1 650-723-8561 or email IMS@stanfordhealthcare.org to get started.
For Health Care Professionals
HOW TO REFER
We can help your patients connect with the right doctors and services. When you refer your patients to Stanford Health Care, we will keep you informed of your patients’ progress.
Fax a referral form with supporting documentation to 650-320-9443.
PHYSICIAN HELP LINE
Phone: 1-866-742-4811
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m – 5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as provides the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referring Physicians.
To request an appointment with an interventional cardiologist, call 650-725-2621.
