Compassionate heart care close to home

From San Saba to Lockhart, Georgetown to Johnson City, and everywhere in between, with the Baylor Scott & White Heart & Vascular Institute, you’ll have direct access to comprehensive cardiovascular care throughout the Greater Austin area.

You can get care close to home for all your heart and vascular needs to improve your heart health and quality of life on your terms.

Call 512.509.0200 for more information

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Common heart condition symptoms and treatments 

Whether you’ve lived with symptoms such as heart weakness, shortness of breath or heart palpitations for a while or have just started experiencing them, it’s a good time to check in on your heart health. Our resources help you understand the signs, risk factors and treatment options.

Download our free guides because when hearts get Better, it’s a thing of beauty.

Cardiology services

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When you choose Baylor Scott & White for your heart health needs, you have access to care and support spanning seven hospitals, 10 clinics, two specialty clinics and a freestanding-standing emergency medical center connected across the Greater Austin area.

Our heart teams work together throughout the region, so you can benefit from shared best practices and insights on the latest research and treatments available.

From general cardiology to specialized care and treatment for more advanced conditions, you get the quality care you deserve close to home. Some of the cardiology services you'll have access to in the Greater Austin Region include:

  • Atrial septal defect closure

    Atrial septal defect closure

    An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall (septum) between the two upper chambers of the heart present at birth. This hole is typically closed by cardiac catheterization using a device inserted into the opening to plug the hole caused by the atrial septal defect.

  • Calcium score cleaning

    Calcium score cleaning

    This noninvasive test checks for a buildup of cholesterol in the heart’s artery walls and may identify the risk of a heart attack even before symptoms appear. Minimum requirements for this screening include males between the ages of 40-65 years, females between the ages of 45-70 years of age or have one of the following risk factors for heart disease: diabetes, current/former smoker, obesity, family history of heart disease, history of high cholesterol or history of high blood pressure. A physician referral is required for this screening.

    Please call 512.509.9100 to schedule.

  • Cardiac MRI

    Cardiac MRI

    Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive test that uses radio waves, magnets and a computer to create a series of images of the heart and its surrounding blood vessels. Cardiac MRIs are the most accurate test for measuring the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the heart every time it contracts and can show if heart muscle is dead or alive.

  • Cardiac stress test

    Cardiac stress test

    A cardiac stress test (sometimes called a heart stress test) is a physical exam designed to measure how well the heart handles work. The patient typically walks on a treadmill or rides a stationary bike while their heart rhythm, blood pressure and breathing are monitored. A cardiac stress test can reveal problems with blood flow within your heart.

  • Clinical research trials

    Clinical research trials

    Patients have the opportunity to participate in clinical research trials.

  • Coronary angiography

    Coronary angiography

    A coronary angiogram is a procedure in which dye is injected to the heart’s blood vessels while an X-ray machine takes a series of images of the heart. This procedure can detect clogged arteries in the heart that may need to be treated with a stent placement or a balloon angioplasty.

  • Coronary artery disease management

    Coronary artery disease management

    Patients with stable coronary artery disease require medical therapy to prevent disease progression and recurrent cardiovascular events, including a heart attack. Three classes of medication are essential to therapy for coronary artery disease management include lipid-lowering, antihypertensive and antiplatelet agents.

  • Coronary computed tomography angiography

    Coronary computed tomography angiography

    A computerized tomography (CT) coronary angiogram uses an X-ray machine to examine the arteries that supply blood to the heart and determine if they have a buildup of plaque, which can cause blood clots.

  • Coronary CTA program

    Coronary CTA program

    A coronary computed tomography angiogram (CTA) uses advanced CT technology, along with intravenous (IV) contrast material (dye), to obtain high-resolution, 3D pictures of the moving heart and great vessels. CTA is used to examine the health of blood vessels in the body, can be used to identify weakened sections of arteries or veins, visualize blood flow and detect fatty or calcium deposits (plaques) in the coronary arteries. A physician referral is required for this screening.

    Please call 512.509.9100 to schedule.

  • Disease prevention

    Disease prevention

    Prevention for cardio metabolic, lipid and cardiovascular disease.

  • Echocardiogram and transesophageal echocardiogram

    Echocardiogram and transesophageal echocardiogram

    An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. A transesophageal echo (TEE) is a type of echocardiogram in which an ultrasound transducer is guided down the esophagus to get a clearer image of the heart without the ribs or lungs in the way.

  • Electrocardiogram

    Electrocardiogram

    An electrocardiogram (often called an EKG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat. An EKG measures the electric impulses that travel through the heart as it beats and the timing of the top and lower chambers of the heart.

  • Foramen ovale closure

    Foramen ovale closure

    A foramen ovale is a hole in the wall between the left and right atria of every human fetus. If the hole must be closed by a heart specialist, a closure device is placed by a catheter, threaded from the heart patient’s groin through the veins to the heart.

  • Heart rhythm disorders

    Heart rhythm disorders

    Heart rhythm disorders (often called arrhythmias) cover a range of conditions in which there is any deviation from the normal sequence of electrical impulses in the heart.

  • Heart valve disease

    Heart valve disease

    Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s four valves do not function properly.

  • HeartFlow analysis

    HeartFlow analysis

    This non-invasive heart test provides a personalized 3D model of the coronary arteries that shows how each blockage impacts blood flow to the heart. This detailed information, which was previously only available through an invasive procedure, helps doctors determine the next step in a treatment plan.

  • Hypertension

    Hypertension

    Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the heart’s artery walls is too high.

  • Peripheral arterial disease

    Peripheral arterial disease

    Peripheral arterial disease (also called peripheral artery disease) is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs (arms or legs), which may result in leg pain while walking. Peripheral arterial disease can also result in a condition called atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.

Atrial septal defect closure

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall (septum) between the two upper chambers of the heart present at birth. This hole is typically closed by cardiac catheterization using a device inserted into the opening to plug the hole caused by the atrial septal defect.

Calcium score cleaning

This noninvasive test checks for a buildup of cholesterol in the heart’s artery walls and may identify the risk of a heart attack even before symptoms appear. Minimum requirements for this screening include males between the ages of 40-65 years, females between the ages of 45-70 years of age or have one of the following risk factors for heart disease: diabetes, current/former smoker, obesity, family history of heart disease, history of high cholesterol or history of high blood pressure. A physician referral is required for this screening.

Please call 512.509.9100 to schedule.

Cardiac MRI

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive test that uses radio waves, magnets and a computer to create a series of images of the heart and its surrounding blood vessels. Cardiac MRIs are the most accurate test for measuring the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the heart every time it contracts and can show if heart muscle is dead or alive.

Cardiac stress test

A cardiac stress test (sometimes called a heart stress test) is a physical exam designed to measure how well the heart handles work. The patient typically walks on a treadmill or rides a stationary bike while their heart rhythm, blood pressure and breathing are monitored. A cardiac stress test can reveal problems with blood flow within your heart.

Clinical research trials

Patients have the opportunity to participate in clinical research trials.

Coronary angiography

A coronary angiogram is a procedure in which dye is injected to the heart’s blood vessels while an X-ray machine takes a series of images of the heart. This procedure can detect clogged arteries in the heart that may need to be treated with a stent placement or a balloon angioplasty.

Coronary artery disease management

Patients with stable coronary artery disease require medical therapy to prevent disease progression and recurrent cardiovascular events, including a heart attack. Three classes of medication are essential to therapy for coronary artery disease management include lipid-lowering, antihypertensive and antiplatelet agents.

Coronary computed tomography angiography

A computerized tomography (CT) coronary angiogram uses an X-ray machine to examine the arteries that supply blood to the heart and determine if they have a buildup of plaque, which can cause blood clots.

Coronary CTA program

A coronary computed tomography angiogram (CTA) uses advanced CT technology, along with intravenous (IV) contrast material (dye), to obtain high-resolution, 3D pictures of the moving heart and great vessels. CTA is used to examine the health of blood vessels in the body, can be used to identify weakened sections of arteries or veins, visualize blood flow and detect fatty or calcium deposits (plaques) in the coronary arteries. A physician referral is required for this screening.

Please call 512.509.9100 to schedule.

Disease prevention

Prevention for cardio metabolic, lipid and cardiovascular disease.

Echocardiogram and transesophageal echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. A transesophageal echo (TEE) is a type of echocardiogram in which an ultrasound transducer is guided down the esophagus to get a clearer image of the heart without the ribs or lungs in the way.

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (often called an EKG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat. An EKG measures the electric impulses that travel through the heart as it beats and the timing of the top and lower chambers of the heart.

Foramen ovale closure

A foramen ovale is a hole in the wall between the left and right atria of every human fetus. If the hole must be closed by a heart specialist, a closure device is placed by a catheter, threaded from the heart patient’s groin through the veins to the heart.

Heart rhythm disorders

Heart rhythm disorders (often called arrhythmias) cover a range of conditions in which there is any deviation from the normal sequence of electrical impulses in the heart.

Heart valve disease

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s four valves do not function properly.

HeartFlow analysis

This non-invasive heart test provides a personalized 3D model of the coronary arteries that shows how each blockage impacts blood flow to the heart. This detailed information, which was previously only available through an invasive procedure, helps doctors determine the next step in a treatment plan.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the heart’s artery walls is too high.

Peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease (also called peripheral artery disease) is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs (arms or legs), which may result in leg pain while walking. Peripheral arterial disease can also result in a condition called atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.

Interventional cardiology

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Interventional cardiology deals specifically with the catheter-based, non-surgical treatment of structural heart diseases, and doesn't require any large incisions or instruments. They are considered minimally invasive heart procedures.
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm stent grafting

    Abdominal aortic aneurysm stent grafting

    Endovascular stent grafting is a less invasive treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment. It uses an endovascular stent graft to reinforce the wall of the aorta and to help keep the damaged area of the heart from rupturing.

  • Carotid stenting

    Carotid stenting

    Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive interventional cardiology procedure in which a slender, metal-mesh tube, called a stent, is inserted and into the carotid artery and expands to increase blood flow to the heart in areas blocked by plaque.

  • Chronic limb ischemia stenting

    Chronic limb ischemia stenting

    Chronic limb ischemia is an advanced stage of peripheral artery disease, resulting in ischemic rest pain, arterial insufficiency ulcers and gangrene. Stent placement restores blood flow to the affected regions.

  • Complex high-risk coronary stenting and chronic total occlusion

    Complex high-risk coronary stenting and chronic total occlusion

    Chronic coronary total occlusion occurs when either the left main or right coronary artery—one of the arteries that delivers oxygen-rich blood to your heart—has become completely blocked (occluded) for three months or longer. Treatment may involve stent placement in the artery.

  • Coronary atherectomy

    Coronary atherectomy

    This minimally invasive heart procedure opens a coronary artery that is blocked or narrowed by plaque.

  • Coronary stenting

    Coronary stenting

    Coronary stenting is when a stent, a small, expandable wire and mesh tube, is placed inside a clogged artery to help widen the artery and restore normal blood flow.

  • Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL)

    Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL)

    Calcium makes the artery rigid and more difficult to treat with current technologies, which can result in complications for patients who are undergoing stent procedures. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) allows physicians to safely fracture problematic calcium using sonic pressure waves so that the artery can be expanded, and blood flow is restored with the placement of a stent and without unnecessary complications.

  • Mechanical circulatory devices – Impella®

    Mechanical circulatory devices – Impella®

    The Impella® heart pump temporarily assists the pumping function of the heart during stent placement to ensure blood flow is maintained to critical organs.

  • Peripheral vascular angiogram

    Peripheral vascular angiogram

    Cardiologists perform this heart procedure with angioplasty, stents and thrombectomy to open blocked or narrowed arteries in the legs.

  • Renal denervation

    Renal denervation

    Renal denervation is a minimally invasive option for patients with hypertension, or high blood pressure. An interventional cardiologist modifies the patient's renal nerves which run along the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys. This procedure allows access without damaging the arteries, complementing medication and lifestyle changes to treat hypertension.

  • Ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis

    Ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis

    This minimally invasive heart treatment that dissolves dangerous blood clots in vessels is conducted using a catheter and an ultrasound to locate the site of the blood clot.

  • Vena cava filter placement/removal

    Vena cava filter placement/removal

    An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a small, wiry device that interventional cardiologists in our hospital use to stop blood clots from going up into the lungs. The filter catches blood clots and stops them from moving up to the heart and lungs to prevent a pulmonary embolism.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm stent grafting

Endovascular stent grafting is a less invasive treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm treatment. It uses an endovascular stent graft to reinforce the wall of the aorta and to help keep the damaged area of the heart from rupturing.

Carotid stenting

Carotid artery stenting is a minimally invasive interventional cardiology procedure in which a slender, metal-mesh tube, called a stent, is inserted and into the carotid artery and expands to increase blood flow to the heart in areas blocked by plaque.

Chronic limb ischemia stenting

Chronic limb ischemia is an advanced stage of peripheral artery disease, resulting in ischemic rest pain, arterial insufficiency ulcers and gangrene. Stent placement restores blood flow to the affected regions.

Complex high-risk coronary stenting and chronic total occlusion

Chronic coronary total occlusion occurs when either the left main or right coronary artery—one of the arteries that delivers oxygen-rich blood to your heart—has become completely blocked (occluded) for three months or longer. Treatment may involve stent placement in the artery.

Coronary atherectomy

This minimally invasive heart procedure opens a coronary artery that is blocked or narrowed by plaque.

Coronary stenting

Coronary stenting is when a stent, a small, expandable wire and mesh tube, is placed inside a clogged artery to help widen the artery and restore normal blood flow.

Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL)

Calcium makes the artery rigid and more difficult to treat with current technologies, which can result in complications for patients who are undergoing stent procedures. Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) allows physicians to safely fracture problematic calcium using sonic pressure waves so that the artery can be expanded, and blood flow is restored with the placement of a stent and without unnecessary complications.

Mechanical circulatory devices – Impella®

The Impella® heart pump temporarily assists the pumping function of the heart during stent placement to ensure blood flow is maintained to critical organs.

Peripheral vascular angiogram

Cardiologists perform this heart procedure with angioplasty, stents and thrombectomy to open blocked or narrowed arteries in the legs.

Renal denervation

Renal denervation is a minimally invasive option for patients with hypertension, or high blood pressure. An interventional cardiologist modifies the patient's renal nerves which run along the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys. This procedure allows access without damaging the arteries, complementing medication and lifestyle changes to treat hypertension.

Ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis

This minimally invasive heart treatment that dissolves dangerous blood clots in vessels is conducted using a catheter and an ultrasound to locate the site of the blood clot.

Vena cava filter placement/removal

An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a small, wiry device that interventional cardiologists in our hospital use to stop blood clots from going up into the lungs. The filter catches blood clots and stops them from moving up to the heart and lungs to prevent a pulmonary embolism.

Cardiothoracic/vascular surgery

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Cardiothoracic (thoracic) surgery treats organs inside the thorax (chest cavity)—usually the heart and lungs. Many vascular conditions are now treated using minimally invasive surgical procedures so patients benefit from a reduced or no hospital stay, lower risk of complications and a shorter recovery period.
  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm stent grafting and surgical repair

    Abdominal aortic aneurysm stent grafting and surgical repair

    Abdominal aortic aneurysm stent grafting is the process in which a heart doctor places an endovascular stent inside of the abdominal aorta to prevent an aneurysm from rupturing.

  • Aortic valve replacement

    Aortic valve replacement

    An aortic valve replacement involves removing a faulty or damaged heart valve and replacing it with a new valve made from synthetic materials or animal tissue to improve blood flow to the heart.

  • Arterial bypass grafting

    Arterial bypass grafting

    Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the process of connecting, or grafting, a healthy artery or vein from the body to the blocked coronary artery. The grafted artery or vein bypasses the blocked portion of the coronary artery. This surgery is used for people with severe coronary heart disease and is used to improve blood flow to the heart.

  • Arteriovenous fistula placement

    Arteriovenous fistula placement

    An arteriovenous fistula (AV) is a connection made between an artery and a vein. A heart doctor typically places the arteriovenous fistula in the forearm, which can help the vein grow stronger by causing extra pressure and blood flow into it.

  • Ascending aortic aneurysm repair

    Ascending aortic aneurysm repair

    This heart procedure, in which a bulge in the aorta, the largest artery in the human body running from the left ventricle of the heart down to the abdomen, is repaired.

  • Carotid endarterectomy

    Carotid endarterectomy

    A carotid endarterectomy is a surgery that removes plaque buildup from inside a carotid artery in the neck to restore normal blood flow to the brain and prevent a stroke.

  • Coronary artery bypassing grafting

    Coronary artery bypassing grafting

    Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a procedure used to treat coronary artery disease. In the procedure, the blocked portion of the coronary artery is bypassed with a piece of a healthy blood vessel from elsewhere in the body to improve blood flow to the heart.

  • Deep vein thrombosis

    Deep vein thrombosis

    Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more deep veins in the body, typically the legs.

  • Left atrial appendage resection

    Left atrial appendage resection

    If a patient is at risk of developing blood clots in the left atrium, a heart procedure is performed that closes or removes the left atrium appendage to reduce the risk of stroke.

  • Limb-salvage surgery

    Limb-salvage surgery

    Limb-salvage surgery, also called limb-sparing surgery, is the most common type of surgery for a primary bone cancer or a soft tissue sarcoma in an arm or leg. The surgeon removes the tumor and an area of healthy tissue around it, while preserving as much of the limb as possible.

  • Minimally invasive cardiac surgery

    Minimally invasive cardiac surgery

    Heart specialists use this treatment method to access the heart through a small incision, removing the need for traditional open-heart surgery. During the heart procedure, an endoscope—a thin telescopic lens, light source and camera—is passed through a small incision in the chest, providing heart surgeons a magnified view of the inside of the body. Surgical instruments are also passed through the incision, allowing surgeons to operate on the heart.

  • Mitral valve repair/replacement

    Mitral valve repair/replacement

    A mitral valve replacement is a minimally invasive heart procedure to replace a mitral valve that isn't working properly.

  • Noninvasive vascular testing

    Noninvasive vascular testing

    Procedures that examine blood vessels throughout the body that feed major organs and tissue help diagnose and treat many vascular conditions, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD), stroke, aneurysms and thoracic outlet syndrome.

  • Pulmonary vein isolation

    Pulmonary vein isolation

    Pulmonary vein isolation is a procedure that creates scar tissue in the part of the left upper chamber of the heart where each of the four pulmonary veins connects. The heart surgeons here in Round Rock perform this operation to stop abnormal electrical signals in the heart that cause heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias).

  • Septal myectomy

    Septal myectomy

    A septal myectomy is a heart treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which entails removing a portion of the septum that is obstructing the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.

  • Thoracic aortic aneurysm stent grafting and surgical repair

    Thoracic aortic aneurysm stent grafting and surgical repair

    Thoracic aortic aneurysm stent grafting is the process in which a heart doctor places an endovascular stent inside of the thoracic aorta to prevent an aneurysm from rupturing.

  • Thoracic outlet syndrome

    Thoracic outlet syndrome

    Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that can cause pain in the shoulders and neck, as well as numbness in the fingers. These disorders occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between the collarbone and the first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed.

  • Tricuspid valve repair/replacement

    Tricuspid valve repair/replacement

    Tricuspid valve repair and tricuspid valve replacement are heart procedures that treat diseases affecting the tricuspid valve, one of four valves that control blood flow through the heart.

  • Venous ablations

    Venous ablations

    Venous ablation is a minimally invasive heart treatment that uses radiofrequency to cauterize or burn and close abnormally enlarged veins in the legs.

  • Video assisted thoracoscopic decortication/pleurodesis

    Video assisted thoracoscopic decortication/pleurodesis

    A thoracoscopic decortication is a surgical procedure done to free a fibrous capsule that has formed around the lung secondary to an inflammatory process, such as an infection.

  • Video assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy

    Video assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy

    A thoracoscopic lobectomy is the resection of an entire lobe of the lung, using a videoscope and an access incision, without the use of a mechanical retractor and without rib spreading.

  • Video assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy

    Video assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy

    A thoracoscopic lung biopsy is when a doctor inserts an endoscope through the chest wall into the chest cavity to obtain lung tissue for examination.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm stent grafting and surgical repair

Abdominal aortic aneurysm stent grafting is the process in which a heart doctor places an endovascular stent inside of the abdominal aorta to prevent an aneurysm from rupturing.

Aortic valve replacement

An aortic valve replacement involves removing a faulty or damaged heart valve and replacing it with a new valve made from synthetic materials or animal tissue to improve blood flow to the heart.

Arterial bypass grafting

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the process of connecting, or grafting, a healthy artery or vein from the body to the blocked coronary artery. The grafted artery or vein bypasses the blocked portion of the coronary artery. This surgery is used for people with severe coronary heart disease and is used to improve blood flow to the heart.

Arteriovenous fistula placement

An arteriovenous fistula (AV) is a connection made between an artery and a vein. A heart doctor typically places the arteriovenous fistula in the forearm, which can help the vein grow stronger by causing extra pressure and blood flow into it.

Ascending aortic aneurysm repair

This heart procedure, in which a bulge in the aorta, the largest artery in the human body running from the left ventricle of the heart down to the abdomen, is repaired.

Carotid endarterectomy

A carotid endarterectomy is a surgery that removes plaque buildup from inside a carotid artery in the neck to restore normal blood flow to the brain and prevent a stroke.

Coronary artery bypassing grafting

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a procedure used to treat coronary artery disease. In the procedure, the blocked portion of the coronary artery is bypassed with a piece of a healthy blood vessel from elsewhere in the body to improve blood flow to the heart.

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more deep veins in the body, typically the legs.

Left atrial appendage resection

If a patient is at risk of developing blood clots in the left atrium, a heart procedure is performed that closes or removes the left atrium appendage to reduce the risk of stroke.

Limb-salvage surgery

Limb-salvage surgery, also called limb-sparing surgery, is the most common type of surgery for a primary bone cancer or a soft tissue sarcoma in an arm or leg. The surgeon removes the tumor and an area of healthy tissue around it, while preserving as much of the limb as possible.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery

Heart specialists use this treatment method to access the heart through a small incision, removing the need for traditional open-heart surgery. During the heart procedure, an endoscope—a thin telescopic lens, light source and camera—is passed through a small incision in the chest, providing heart surgeons a magnified view of the inside of the body. Surgical instruments are also passed through the incision, allowing surgeons to operate on the heart.

Mitral valve repair/replacement

A mitral valve replacement is a minimally invasive heart procedure to replace a mitral valve that isn't working properly.

Noninvasive vascular testing

Procedures that examine blood vessels throughout the body that feed major organs and tissue help diagnose and treat many vascular conditions, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD), stroke, aneurysms and thoracic outlet syndrome.

Pulmonary vein isolation

Pulmonary vein isolation is a procedure that creates scar tissue in the part of the left upper chamber of the heart where each of the four pulmonary veins connects. The heart surgeons here in Round Rock perform this operation to stop abnormal electrical signals in the heart that cause heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias).

Septal myectomy

A septal myectomy is a heart treatment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which entails removing a portion of the septum that is obstructing the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm stent grafting and surgical repair

Thoracic aortic aneurysm stent grafting is the process in which a heart doctor places an endovascular stent inside of the thoracic aorta to prevent an aneurysm from rupturing.

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that can cause pain in the shoulders and neck, as well as numbness in the fingers. These disorders occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between the collarbone and the first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed.

Tricuspid valve repair/replacement

Tricuspid valve repair and tricuspid valve replacement are heart procedures that treat diseases affecting the tricuspid valve, one of four valves that control blood flow through the heart.

Venous ablations

Venous ablation is a minimally invasive heart treatment that uses radiofrequency to cauterize or burn and close abnormally enlarged veins in the legs.

Video assisted thoracoscopic decortication/pleurodesis

A thoracoscopic decortication is a surgical procedure done to free a fibrous capsule that has formed around the lung secondary to an inflammatory process, such as an infection.

Video assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy

A thoracoscopic lobectomy is the resection of an entire lobe of the lung, using a videoscope and an access incision, without the use of a mechanical retractor and without rib spreading.

Video assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy

A thoracoscopic lung biopsy is when a doctor inserts an endoscope through the chest wall into the chest cavity to obtain lung tissue for examination.

Heart Failure Clinic

The Heart Failure Clinics in Round Rock, Lakeway and Marble Falls are dedicated to helping you manage heart failure conditions. Our specialized care teams can help prevent continued cardiovascular problems and emergency room visits so you can live well with heart failure.

Structural Heart Program and Cardiac Valve Clinic

Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the heart’s valves and other vital structures, Baylor Scott & White Health utilizes a team of interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons to treat congenital (those appearing at birth) heart conditions, as well as those resulting from aging.

  • Aortic balloon valvuloplasty

    A valvuloplasty is designed to improve blood flow through the heart valve. A long, thin catheter with a balloon on the tip is inserted into an artery in the arm or groin and guided into a narrowed valve in the heart. The balloon is then inflated to widen the opening of the valve and then deflated and removed.

  • Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure

    An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall (septum) between the two upper chambers of the heart that is present at birth. This hole is typically closed by cardiac catheterization using a device inserted into the opening to plug the hole caused by the atrial septal defect.

  • Complex mitral valve repair

    Mitral valve repair is a cardiac surgery procedure performed to treat stenosis or regurgitation of the mitral valve, the "inflow valve" for the left side of the heart.

  • Foramen ovale (PFO) closure

    A foramen ovale is a hole in the wall between the left and right atria of every human fetus. If the hole must be closed by a heart specialist, a closure device is placed by a catheter threaded from the heart patient’s groin through the veins to the heart.

  • Participation in clinic research trials

    Patients have the opportunity to participate in clinical research trials.

  • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

    Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive heart procedure in which doctors insert a catheter into the leg and guide it to the heart. TAVR is used to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly.

  • Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER)

    Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is a minimally invasive procedure to repair a leaky mitral valve. The procedure is performed in a cardiac catheterization lab, in which a provider accesses the heart valve with a catheter, which is passed through the right femoral vein in the leg. A small, implanted clip is attached to the valve using independently-controlled grippers to help it close more completely. This restores regular blood flow through the heart. Because TEER is an alternative to traditional open chest surgery, patients benefit from a faster recovery time.

  • Transcatheter mitral valve repair (MitraClip™)

    Transcatheter mitral valve repair is a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery. The MitraClip™, a device made from metal and polyester that is designed to relieve symptoms of mitral regurgitation, is the only device currently approved by the FDA for transcatheter mitral valve repair.

  • Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR)

    Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is an alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of severe mitral regurgitation in heart patients with prohibitive or high surgical risk.

  • WATCHMAN left atrial appendage closure implant

    WATCHMAN is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure for people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem (also known as non-valvular AFib) who need an alternative to blood thinners. The WATCHMAN implant fits right into the LAA, the left atrial appendage of the heart, and is designed to permanently close off the LAA and keep blood clots, which may cause stroke, from escaping.

Electrophysiology/Heart arrhythmia treatment

The Baylor Scott & White Heart & Vascular Institute Arrhythmia Program is designed to help identify heart rhythm conditions and work with you to develop a treatment and management plan unique to your needs. Through our program, you may have access to tilt table procedures, EKGs and other technologies that record the heart’s electrical activity and evaluate your body’s responses.

Treatments to help manage and correct arrhythmias, including:

  • Atrial fibrillation ablation (A-Fib) and subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) to correct heart rhythms
  • Watchman and Amulet, minimally invasive procedures for people with an arrhythmia not caused by a heart valve problem who need an alternative to blood thinners
  • Hybrid AF Therapy, a procedure that combines two forms of ablation to target two key areas where AFib originates—the pulmonary veins and the posterior (back) wall of the heart
  • Device clinic for pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD)
  • Opportunities to participate in national clinical research
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Cardiac rehabilitation

Have you been recently diagnosed with a heart problem? Have you just experienced a heart attack, angioplasty or bypass surgery? By participating in cardiac rehabilitation, you can start yourself on the road to recovery.

Cardiac rehabilitation's main goal is to assist you in developing a healthy lifestyle plan. Your plan will include major components of physical activity, education, stress management and nutrition counseling.

Explore cardiac rehabilitation

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Accredited heart attack/STEMI care

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Round Rock was the first hospital in the US to receive accreditation by the American Heart Association: Mission Lifeline as a STEMI Receiving Facility.

ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is a very serious type of heart attack during which one of the heart’s major arteries, which provides oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the heart muscle, is blocked. ST-segment elevation is an abnormality detected on the 12-lead ECG (electrocardiogram). Heart patients experiencing acute STEMI are at risk for developing life-threatening arrhythmias, like ventricular fibrillation, which causes sudden cardiac arrest—sometimes referred to as a “massive heart attack.”

STEMI can be treated with clot-busting drugs called thrombolytics (also called fibrinolytics) or with a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a cardiac catheterization lab—also known as angioplasty or stenting.

One of the quality measures for STEMI care is the time of first medical contact, or the amount of time it takes to successfully re-open the occluded (or blocked) heart artery. The clock starts when the patient arrives at the hospital and stops when the balloon is inflated in the cardiac catheterization lab here in our Round Rock Heart Center.

Call 512.509.0200 for a referral