Once you and your doctor have decided on the treatment best suited to your condition, you will become involved with a team of specialists that are responsible for the procedure from beginning to end.

General Cardiologist

The cardiologist is a doctor who specialises in taking care of the heart and blood vessels. This specialist examines patients to identify symptoms of heart disease using a variety of tests. If the heart problem is related to coronary artery disease, the cardiologist may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, and treatments such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), angioplasty, and/or stenting.

Interventional Cardiologist

Interventional cardiologists are cardiologists who have completed years of additional training in interventional procedures – catheterisation, angioplasty, stent placement, and the use of other devices to remove plaque from the inside of the arteries.

Nurse

Nurses are a critical part of your care team. They assist the interventional cardiologist, and it is their responsibility to manage your care and comfort at each stage of the procedure – from preparation to recovery.

Cath Lab Technician

A cath lab technician is a person who has been trained in the use of x-ray equipment and to assist the doctor and nurse with interventional cardiology procedures in the catheterisation lab, or "cath lab," where the stenting procedure is performed.

Next: The Procedure: What to Expect