The Top 5 Most Common Heart Procedures Explained

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for both men and women around the world. Thanks to advances in medical technology and treatment methods, there are now a variety of effective procedures designed to treat heart conditions, restore function, and save lives. Whether you're preparing for a procedure yourself or supporting a loved one, understanding what to expect can bring peace of mind.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the five most common heart procedures, explain what they treat, and describe how they’re performed.

1. Coronary Angioplasty and Stent Placement (PCI)

Treats: Blocked or narrowed coronary arteries (Coronary Artery Disease)

How it works:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common heart problems. Over time, plaque made up of fat, cholesterol, and calcium builds up in the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. This can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or even a heart attack.

Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure used to open up these narrowed arteries.

Here's how it’s done:

• A thin tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery, usually in the wrist or groin, and guided to the heart.
• A tiny balloon at the tip is inflated at the site of the blockage to compress the plaque against the artery walls.
• A small metal mesh tube, called a stent, is then placed to keep the artery open long-term.
• The balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the stent in place permanently.

This procedure usually takes less than an hour, and most patients go home the same day or the next morning. It is highly effective at relieving symptoms and preventing future heart attacks.

2. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Treats: Severe coronary artery blockages

How it works:
In some cases, angioplasty and stenting aren't enough, especially when multiple arteries are blocked or the blockages are in hard-to-reach areas. That’s when coronary artery bypass surgery becomes necessary.

CABG is a type of open-heart surgery that reroutes blood flow around blocked arteries.

Here’s what happens during the procedure:

• The surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, usually the leg (saphenous vein) or chest (internal mammary artery).
• This vessel is used to create a detour or "bypass" around the blocked artery.
• Blood can now flow freely to the heart muscle, bypassing the area of blockage.

This surgery is performed under general anesthesia and requires a hospital stay of about a week. Recovery at home can take 6 to 12 weeks. CABG is especially helpful for patients with diabetes or multiple blockages, and it has long-term success in reducing symptoms and improving survival.

3. Pacemaker Implantation

Treats: Abnormally slow or irregular heart rhythms (Bradycardia, Heart Block)

How it works:
A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin near the collarbone. It helps control abnormal heart rhythms by sending electrical signals to prompt the heart to beat at a regular pace.

It’s often used when:

• The heart beats too slowly (bradycardia)
• Electrical signals in the heart are delayed or blocked
• The patient experiences fainting, dizziness, or fatigue due to slow rhythms

Here’s how the implantation is done:

• The patient is sedated but awake.
• A small incision is made, and the pacemaker leads (wires) are threaded through a vein into the heart.
• The pulse generator (battery and computer) is placed under the skin and connected to the leads.
• The system is tested and programmed before closing the incision.

Most people go home within 24 hours. Recovery is quick, but patients need to avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks. Today’s pacemakers are smart, adjustable, and often compatible with MRIs.

4. Valve Replacement or Repair

Treats: Damaged or diseased heart valves (e.g., Aortic Stenosis, Mitral Regurgitation)

How it works:
The heart has four valves that ensure blood flows in the right direction. When these valves become stiff (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation), the heart has to work harder. Over time, this can lead to heart failure.

Depending on the condition and severity, valve repair or replacement may be recommended.

There are two main ways this is done:

a. Surgical Valve Replacement

• This involves open-heart surgery.
• The damaged valve is removed and replaced with either a mechanical valve or a biological one (from pig, cow, or human tissue).
• Mechanical valves last longer but require lifelong blood thinners. Biological valves typically don’t.

b. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

• For high-risk patients, TAVR is a less invasive option.
• A new valve is inserted via catheter through a leg artery and guided to the heart.
• It is expanded within the existing valve, taking over its function.

Recovery varies depending on the method used. Surgical patients may need weeks to recover, while TAVR patients are often discharged in a few days.

5. Catheter Ablation for Arrhythmias

Treats: Irregular heart rhythms (especially Atrial Fibrillation and SVT)

How it works:
Ablation is used to treat abnormal electrical signals in the heart that cause irregular heartbeats. One of the most common conditions it treats is atrial fibrillation (AFib), where the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly.

Here’s what happens during catheter ablation:

• The doctor inserts catheters through veins in the groin and guides them to the heart.
• Once the abnormal area is identified, targeted energy (usually radiofrequency or cryotherapy) is delivered.
• This destroys the small piece of heart tissue causing the irregular rhythm.
• The goal is to restore normal rhythm and reduce or eliminate the need for medication.

The procedure usually lasts 2 to 4 hours. Patients are sedated but typically awake. It is minimally invasive, and most people recover quickly with just a small bandage at the insertion site.

Ablation is highly effective for many patients and is becoming a first-line treatment in certain cases of AFib.

Final Thoughts

Heart procedures may sound intimidating, but they’re more common, and more advanced, than ever before. From minimally invasive interventions like stenting and ablation to complex surgeries like bypass and valve replacement, today’s treatments are safer, faster, and more effective.

If you or someone you love is facing one of these procedures, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Understanding the purpose, process, and outcomes of these treatments can help ease anxiety and prepare you for a smooth recovery.

Remember, your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. With the right care, the right procedure, and a dedicated healthcare team, there’s a good chance you’ll feel better, move easier, and enjoy life more fully.