Structural Heart and Coronary intervention program

Advanced valve, structural and coronary therapies—delivered with precision

Canberra Heart Clinic provides a comprehensive program in structural heart and coronary artery disease, offering contemporary catheter-based therapies within an integrated cardiology service.

Our model combines advanced echocardiography, specialist consultation, and interventional expertise, delivering a seamless pathway from diagnosis through to treatment and long-term follow-up.

Procedures are performed at:

  • National Capital Private Hospital
  • Calvary Bruce Private Hospital

Our Approach

Integrated, multidisciplinary, and clinically precise

Patients are managed through a coordinated pathway that includes:

  • Advanced cardiac imaging (including comprehensive echocardiography)
  • Specialist clinical assessment
  • Multidisciplinary input where appropriate
  • Individualised procedural planning

This ensures accurate diagnosis, appropriate patient selection, and optimal timing of intervention.


Interventional & Structural Services

Coronary Angiography & Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

Comprehensive assessment and treatment of coronary artery disease, including:

  • Diagnostic coronary angiography
  • Percutaneous coronary intervention (stenting)
  • Assessment of stable and unstable coronary syndromes
  • Integration with medical therapy and long-term risk management

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)

Minimally invasive treatment for severe aortic stenosis in appropriately selected patients.

  • Pre-procedural assessment and imaging
  • Coordination with heart team and procedural services
  • Post-procedural follow-up and longitudinal care

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO)

Stroke prevention for patients with atrial fibrillation where long-term anticoagulation is not suitable.

  • Careful patient selection
  • Imaging-guided planning
  • Structured follow-up

Valvular & Structural Heart Disease

Comprehensive evaluation and management of:

  • Aortic and mitral valve disease
  • Prosthetic valve assessment
  • Structural causes of heart failure

The Role of Imaging

Imaging is central to both coronary and structural intervention.

Our five-day echocardiography service supports:

  • Diagnosis of structural and valvular disease
  • Assessment of ventricular function in coronary disease
  • Procedural planning and risk stratification
  • Post-intervention surveillance

This integration ensures that investigations directly inform management decisions.


When to Refer

We welcome referrals for patients with:

Coronary disease

  • Recurrent or progressive angina
  • Abnormal stress testing
  • High cardiovascular risk with symptoms
  • Suspected acute or unstable coronary syndromes

Structural and valve disease

  • Symptomatic aortic stenosis
  • Moderate–severe valvular heart disease
  • Heart failure with suspected structural cause
  • Atrial fibrillation with contraindications to anticoagulation

General

  • Unexplained dyspnoea
  • Abnormal imaging or ECG requiring further assessment

Early referral is encouraged where there is diagnostic uncertainty or progression.


What Referrers Can Expect

  • Timely access to consultation and imaging
  • Clear recommendations regarding intervention vs medical therapy
  • Efficient coordination of hospital-based procedures
  • Ongoing communication and collaborative care

Interventional Expertise

Our program is led by Dr Nikhil Pal, an interventional and structural cardiologist with expertise in coronary and catheter-based valve therapies.

Working closely with our cardiology and imaging team, the service delivers a coordinated and patient-centred approach to complex cardiovascular care.


Locations & Continuity of Care

Consultations and investigations are available at:

  • Deakin
  • Gungahlin

Patients are managed through a continuous pathway from clinic review to imaging, intervention, and follow-up.


Referrals & Enquiries

To refer a patient or discuss a case, please contact Canberra Heart Clinic directly. Urgent cases can be accommodated where clinically appropriate.