Merging the Art and Science of Treating Heart Disease
Penn's Coronary Artery Disease Program treats patients who may be at risk for, or those who have already had a heart attack.
Diagnosis and choice of treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD) are not as straightforward as might be imagined. That's where the vast experience of Penn physicians makes a difference. Their expert clinical judgment and knowledge of the latest in heart disease technology and techniques are why the toughest cases in the region are routinely referred to Penn Medicine.
A Full Range of Diagnostic and Treatment Options
Penn Medicine offers a full range of diagnostic and treatment options for coronary artery disease, including:
Sophisticated diagnostic capabilities such as:
- CT, MRI, and PET imaging.
- A full range of noninvasive tests.
- Diagnostic catheterization including specialized tests not always available elsewhere, including:
- Fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement – to accurately choose whether angioplasty and stenting or medical treatment is best for "intermediate" blockages.
- Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) – to aid in the selection and sizing of stents and balloons and confirm that a stent has been perfectly placed.
Treatment options such as:
- Comprehensive lipid (cholesterol) management to slow disease progression.
- Medications to control symptoms.
- Interventional procedures such as angioplasty, with or without stent placement, to reduce the need for surgery while providing better results than medication alone.
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Specialized programs include:
- Noninvasive testing
- Lipid disorders
- Interventional cardiology for both diagnostic catheterization and therapeutic percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).
- Cardiovascular surgery and minimally invasive surgery.
Personalized, Informed Recommendations and Care Plans
A multispecialty team performs an extensive risk/benefit analysis for each patient. The goal is to find the lowest risk and least invasive treatment option that can still deliver the best in long-term survival and quality of life.
Patients can expect a supportive environment with medical professionals who understand what their concerns. Each care plan is individually tailored to the needs of the individual.
Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.