Interventional Cardiology
Community Medical Center’s experienced heart catheterization team performs procedures using balloons, stents, and other devices to open blocked, or repair damaged blood vessels of the heart or body. This often avoids the need for heart surgery.
Heart conditions can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, stroke or loss of limbs.
Our interventional cardiologists use wrist artery access (vs. groin access) for 90 percent of our procedures. There are several advantages to wrist access over groin access, including reduce length of stay, enhance patient comfort and reduced incidence of access site complications.
Common treatable conditions include:
- Coronary artery disease (narrowing of the coronary arteries)
- Heart valve disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
Procedures and treatments offered:
- Diagnostic imaging and pressure measurements
- Balloon angioplasty
- Clot extraction
- Fractional flow reserve measurements
- Intra-arterial ultrasound
- Temporary pacemaker insertion
- Rotational atherectomy
- Stent insertion
- Intra-aortic balloon pump/Circulatory assist device insertion
Second Opinion
With the growing trend toward shared decision-making around medical care, many doctors support their patients' efforts to take a more active role in their health care. If your doctor recommends a nonemergency procedure, including some types of surgery and angioplasty, you may have time to consider your options. That might include getting a second opinion. We offer easy access to our cardiology specialists remotely. Patients and their families can meet with one of our doctors from the comfort of home to get a second opinion. Contact us to learn more at (406) 327-4646.
Quality Heart Care, Close to Home
Accredited Chest Pain Center
Community Medical Center is accredited as a Chest Pain Center by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Accreditation Services. Community Medical Center has demonstrated expertise in quickly assessing, diagnosing and treating patients experiencing chest discomfort or pain, and is one of only three hospitals in Montana to achieve the Chest Pain Center designation.
Mission Lifeline Quality Achievement Award
Community Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® – Silver Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures to treat patients who suffer severe heart attacks.
Billings Clinic Heart and Vascular (CPG Cardiology) is a department of Community Medical Center. When you see a physician or receive services in a provider-based clinic, you are technically being treated in an outpatient department of the hospital rather than the physician’s office. Please refer to “Understanding your Healthcare Costs” to learn how your bill may be affected when seen by a provider in a provider-based clinic.
Understanding Your Healthcare Costs
Provider-Based Clinics - You may see a charge on your bill for the equipment, supplies, and services provided in one of our provider-based clinics.