INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY IN CYPRUS - INNOVATIVE TREATMENTS FOR THE HEART - Filenews 18/4
Interventional cardiology is one of the fastest evolving fields of modern medicine. Through minimally invasive techniques, it offers effective solutions to severe heart disease, without the need for open surgery. In Cyprus, in recent years, the development of specialized centers and the modernization of medical equipment have significantly upgraded the level of services provided.
What is Interventional Cardiology?
Interventional cardiology is based on the use of special catheters that are inserted from an artery of the hand or foot and directed towards the heart with the help of advanced imaging systems. In this way, the cardiologist can diagnose and treat diseases of the coronary arteries and heart valves, without a large surgical incision.
Key surgeries include:
- Coronary angiography to diagnose significant stenosis/blockages of the arteries.
- Angioplasty and stent placement (PCI) to restore blood flow.
- Endovascular Coronary Artery Imaging (IVUS/OCT)
- FFR (Fractional Flow Reserve) and iFR (Instantaneous Wave–Free Ratio): Normal measurements of pressure within the coronary artery that help determine whether a stenosis needs angioplasty or not.
- Percutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVI)
- Percutaneous mitral and tricuspid valve repair (Mitraclip/Triclip)
- Closure of congenital heart deficits
The benefits for the patient are significant:
- Shorter hospitalization time
- faster recovery
- reduced postoperative pain
- and lower risk of complications
Developments in Cyprus
Today, Cyprus has state-of-the-art hemodynamic laboratories and specialized interventional cardiology teams that can offer comprehensive management of even complex cases.
The Hemodynamic Laboratory of the Apollonion Private Hospital is among the most active centers in Cyprus. It is staffed by well-trained medical and nursing staff, who are on 24-hour standby, meeting the requirements of a modern cardiology unit.
The laboratory fully covers the needs for the performance of complex diagnostic and invasive procedures in the field of interventional cardiology, offering a wide range of percutaneous procedures, contributing substantially to the upgrading of cardiac care in Cyprus
At the same time, the operation of the Cardiac Innovation Center enhances the possibility of surgical treatment of complex cardiac cases within the country, reducing the need to send patients abroad.
The Future of Interventional Cardiology
The continuous development of technology, the introduction of new transdermal techniques and the interdisciplinary collaboration (Heart Team) form a modern model of cardiac care. Interventional cardiology in Cyprus is now at a particularly high level, providing solutions that until recently were only available in major European centers.
With a focus on the patient and the aim of improving the quality of life, interventional cardiology is today a key pillar of modern medical care in the country.
Written by
Dr. Kyriakos Papadopoulos MD, PhD Interventional Cardiologist
