Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a common but serious condition that occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. If left untreated, it can lead to heart attack, heart failure, or other serious complications. At PIH Health, we offer advanced treatment options for CAD—ranging from minimally invasive procedures to surgical interventions—delivered by an expert, multidisciplinary heart team.

One of our signature programs is the Complete Revascularization in High-Risk Patients (CHIP) program, which specializes in caring for individuals with complex or high-risk CAD. Through state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization techniques, our interventional cardiologists can accurately diagnose artery blockages and perform Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), including angioplasty and stent placement, to restore healthy blood flow.

For patients who require more extensive treatment, we also offer advanced surgical options such as Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and valve surgery to improve long-term heart function and quality of life.

Complete Revascularization in High-Risk Patients (CHIP) Program at PIH Health

At PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, the CHIP (Complete Revascularization in High-Risk Patients) program is designed to help people with serious or complex heart problems who may not be good candidates for traditional treatments. Our team includes experts in cardiology, surgery, and vascular care who work together to provide customized treatment for high-risk heart patients.

What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Coronary artery disease happens when the arteries that supply blood to your heart become narrow or blocked due to plaque buildup (a condition called atherosclerosis). This can reduce blood flow and oxygen to the heart, leading to:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeats
• Heart failure or heart attacks

CAD is the most common cause of death for both men and women in the U.S.

The CHIP program offers leading-edge care for people with severe CAD or heart failure—especially when other treatments may not be an option. We use advanced tools and techniques to restore blood flow and improve heart function without major surgery. Treatment options may include:

• High-risk PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention)
• Use of percutaneous mechanical heart pump devices (Impella) to support the heart during high-risk procedures
• ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) for patients needing temporary heart and lung support
• Special techniques for chronic total occlusions (CTOs)—100% blocked arteries with calcified plaque

These approaches help many patients avoid open-heart surgery and recover faster with fewer complications.

To learn more about the CHIP program, call 213.977.2239.

Cardiac Catheterization at PIH Health

Precision Heart Care with Advanced Catheterization Techniques

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure that allows our cardiologists to assess and treat heart conditions with speed and accuracy. Whether used for diagnosis or as a therapeutic procedure, cardiac catheterization helps us evaluate conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD), heart valve disease, congenital defects, and heart failure.

With advanced technology and access options such as transradial access (via the wrist), patients benefit from shorter recovery times, greater comfort, and lower risk of complications.

What to Expect

A thin, flexible catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in your wrist or groin and guided to your heart. Diagnostic tests like an angiogram may be performed, or treatments such as angioplasty and stenting may be done during the same session if blockages are found.

Cardiac catheterization can help diagnose or treat:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Valve disorders
• Structural heart issues
• Heart muscle abnormalities

Why Choose Transradial Access?

This technique allows for catheter insertion through the wrist rather than the groin, offering benefits like:

• Faster recovery and mobility
• Reduced bleeding risk
• Greater patient comfort

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) at PIH Health

Advanced, Minimally Invasive Treatment for Blocked Arteries

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), also known as angioplasty with stenting, is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. PCI can relieve chest pain (angina), reduce the risk of heart attack, and restore blood flow to improve how your heart functions.

At PIH Health, our interventional cardiologists perform PCI using advanced techniques, including transradial access, percutaneous heart pumps, and ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), to treat complex or high-risk heart conditions.

How PCI Works

• A local anesthetic is used to numb the area where a catheter will be inserted, usually in the wrist or groin
• A thin tube (catheter) is guided through your artery to the heart
• A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to open the blocked artery
• A stent (a small metal mesh tube) is placed to keep the artery open
• For severely calcified arteries, a special device (atherectomy or lithotripsy) may be used

For patients with weak heart function or more serious heart conditions, a percutaneous heart pump may be used during PCI. In critical situations, ECMO may be used to temporarily support the heart and lungs.

Why PCI May Be Needed

• Coronary artery disease with blocked or narrowed arteries
• Chest pain that does not improve with medication
• Shortness of breath due to poor blood flow
• Heart attack requiring emergency treatment

Transradial Access for PCI

Whenever possible, PCI is performed through the radial artery in the wrist, allowing for quicker recovery, fewer complications, and greater mobility.

Benefits of PCI

• Minimally invasive treatment without open-heart surgery
• Rapid symptom relief
• Shorter recovery time
• Advanced support options when needed
• Improved blood flow and heart function

CABG and Heart Valve Surgery at PIH Health

At PIH Health, we provide expert care in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), off-pump bypass surgery, and both open and minimally invasive valve procedures. These options are designed for patients with significant coronary artery disease or complex valve conditions who may not fully benefit from catheter-based treatments like PCI.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

CABG, commonly known as heart bypass surgery, restores blood flow to the heart by rerouting circulation around blocked or narrowed arteries. It is especially beneficial for patients with multiple blockages or persistent symptoms.

Off-Pump Coronary Bypass Surgery

For eligible patients, off-pump (or “beating heart”) bypass surgery allows the heart to continue beating during the procedure without a heart-lung machine, potentially reducing complications and shortening recovery time.

Valve Surgery Approaches

Heart valve surgery repairs or replaces valves that are damaged or no longer function effectively.

Surgical Valve Repair

Open-heart valve procedures are performed for patients requiring complex repairs or who are not candidates for less invasive techniques.

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement

This approach uses smaller incisions and advanced techniques to reduce trauma, pain, and recovery time while maintaining durable results.

Why Choose PIH Health?

From traditional bypass surgery to minimally invasive valve techniques, PIH Health delivers customized, team-based cardiac care designed to meet each patient’s unique needs.

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