Catheterization Laboratory
About Our Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories of BIDMC are among the busiest in the world, performing more than 4,000 procedures annually. In addition, more than 30 percent of interventional patients are currently enrolled in research studies for the evaluation of new stents and other technologies. Robert W. Yeh, MD, MSc, MBA, Section Chief of Interventional Cardiology, coordinates the operation of the laboratories, which include five all-digital laboratories as well as two electrophysiology facilities.
Training in Cardiac Catheterization
Between the first and second years of fellowship training, cardiac fellows spend five months in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. First and second year fellows play a pivotal role, performing peri-procedure evaluation of the patient and scrubbing in on all diagnostic catheterization cases including off-hours procedures. Fellows also participate in emergency cases for patients with ST elevation MI or hemodynamic compromise and in specialized procedures such as intra-aortic balloon pump placement, pericardiocentesis and hemodynamic assessment for valvular disease, congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension. Each fellow performs between 300 and 400 procedures during his or her time in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, under the direct supervision of a senior staff attending.
Those interested in advanced training in Interventional Cardiology are encouraged to participate in research projects with division faculty. A select group of fellows (chosen for invasive skills and research potential) will have the opportunity to acquire advanced training in Interventional Cardiology during a third and fourth year of study.
Training in Interventional Cardiology
The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship is an ACGME-certified program for comprehensive training in Interventional Cardiology techniques and patient care. The fellowship is an intensive combined clinical and research program focused on all aspects related to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. In addition, fellows will obtain experience in high-risk and chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI, mechanical circulatory support devices, peripheral angiography and interventions and structural heart disease interventions including transcatheter valve replacement.
The program also provides fellows with early exposure to new technologies through participation in a variety of clinical trials evaluating new interventional devices and treatment strategies, serving to introduce fellows to the principles and practices of clinical trial research. At completion, each fellow will have performed approximately 300 interventional procedures, and will be eligible to take the certification examination in Interventional Cardiology given by the American Board of Internal Medicine.