Centre of Invasive Cardiology, Electrotherapy and Angiology, GVM Carint

Centre of Invasive Cardiology, Electrotherapy and Angiology (GVM Carint) is a specialized cardiology network in Poland. Formed through a partnership between the Italian medical group Gruppo Villa Maria SPA and the Polish company Carint, the network operates cardiology centers in locations including Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, Oświęcim, Sanok, and Myszków. The centers provide 24/7 emergency care for acute coronary syndromes, such as myocardial infarctions, as well as planned cardiac procedures.

Core Specialties and Procedures

The centers offer comprehensive cardiac care ranging from diagnostics to interventional treatments. The clinical team performs a wide variety of procedures following current medical standards designed to minimize hospital stays and facilitate recovery.

Invasive Cardiology and Diagnostics

The cardiology team addresses coronary artery conditions using advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques:

• Coronary angiography: An X-ray imaging test used to evaluate the size and course of coronary arteries and locate blockages.
• Angioplasty (PCI): A procedure to unblock narrowed or closed coronary arteries without open-chest surgery.
• IVUS (Intravascular Ultrasound): An imaging tool that shows the interior of coronary arteries in real time to assist in treatment planning.
• FFR (Fractional Flow Reserve): An invasive assessment used to determine the clinical significance of arterial narrowings.

Electrotherapy and Structural Heart Care

Specialists treat heart rhythm disorders and structural defects through various interventions:

• Pacemaker implantation: Used for patients with slow heart rates (bradycardia) or other rhythm disorders.
• Ablation: A procedure performed to eliminate arrhythmias by creating small scars in heart tissue to neutralize irregular electrical signals.
• ICD and CRT implantation: Includes cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy systems.
• Percutaneous closure of heart defects: Minimally invasive treatment for defects such as ASD (atrial septal defect) or PFO (patent foramen ovale) using flexible occluders. After a successful closure, patients may be eligible for discharge as early as the next day.

Equipment and Services

GVM Carint facilities are equipped with latest-generation angiographs for interventional radiology and cardiology. The network opened the first hybrid operating room in the Świętokrzyskie region at its Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski center. For critically ill patients, the centers provide circulatory support systems, including intra-aortic balloon pumps and temporary pacemakers.

The network also provides specialized cardiac rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from heart attacks or cardiac procedures. These programs are designed to help patients restore physical fitness and return to daily activities. Outpatient clinics support long-term care with consultations and non-invasive testing, including cardiac echo, stress tests, and Holter monitoring.