Heart Procedures in Singapore
Cardiac Procedures & Interventions
From routine diagnostic tests to advanced interventional procedures, Dr MacDonald provides the full range of cardiac care.
Introduction
When a heart condition requires intervention beyond medical management, Dr MacDonald can perform a range of cardiac procedures at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in conjunction with other specialists as required. Each procedure is discussed thoroughly with the patient beforehand, including the rationale, expected outcomes, risks, and alternative options.
Coronary Angiography
A catheter-based procedure that uses contrast dye and X-ray imaging to visualise the coronary arteries and identify any blockages or narrowing. This is considered the gold standard for assessing coronary artery disease and is typically performed as a day-case procedure.
Coronary Angioplasty & Stenting
When significant coronary artery blockages are identified, angioplasty can be performed to widen the narrowed artery using a small balloon. A stent (a small metal scaffold) is usually placed at the same time to keep the artery open. Modern drug-eluting stents are used to reduce the risk of re-narrowing.
Catheter Ablation
A procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) by precisely targeting and neutralising the small areas of heart tissue responsible for the irregular electrical signals. This is performed using specialised catheters guided to the heart through the blood vessels. One example of this is pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation.
Pacemaker & ICD Implantation
A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin of the chest to regulate the heart’s rhythm. It is used when the heart beats too slowly (bradycardia) or has pauses that cause symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or fainting.
Cardiac Device Management
For patients with implanted cardiac devices (pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, cardiac resynchronisation therapy devices), Dr MacDonald provides ongoing monitoring, programming, and clinical follow-up.
Cardioversion
An electrical procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with certain arrhythmias, most commonly atrial fibrillation. This is performed under brief sedation and is typically a same-day procedure.
Right Heart Catheterisation
A specialised procedure to measure pressures within the heart and lungs, used in the assessment of heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and certain valvular conditions.
Cardiothoracic Surgery & Multidisciplinary Care
Dr MacDonald works closely with cardiothoracic surgeons for patients requiring coronary artery bypass surgery, heart valve surgery, or other surgical interventions.
Cardiac procedures in Singapore: how it works
When medication is not enough, Dr MacDonald performs catheter-based procedures at the Parkway hospital of your choice (Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Mount Elizabeth Novena or Gleneagles) and coordinates surgical care with cardiothoracic colleagues where an operation is the better option. Every procedure is preceded by a consultation, the appropriate heart tests, a clear explanation of the alternatives and risks, and a written cost estimate. Not every narrowing needs a stent, and a large part of the work is deciding, with you, when a procedure is genuinely the right choice.
Patient guides
- Coronary angioplasty and stenting: procedure, recovery and cost
- Coronary angiogram and CT coronary angiogram
- Heart attack treatment in Singapore
- Arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation: diagnosis and treatment
- Cardiologist vs cardiac surgeon
- Heart failure: a comprehensive guide
- How insurance pays for cardiac procedures
After the procedure
A stent or device treats one problem; long-term results depend on cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and smoking. Follow-up, cardiac rehabilitation and preventive cardiology are built into the care plan, and safe exercise after a cardiac event is covered in Dr MacDonald’s exercise guide.
Frequently asked questions about heart procedures
Where are procedures performed?
Consultations and non-invasive tests take place in the clinic at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Orchard. Catheter-based procedures such as coronary angiography, angioplasty and stenting, ablation and device implantation are performed in hospital, at the Parkway hospital of your choice: Mount Elizabeth (Orchard), Mount Elizabeth Novena or Gleneagles.
How much does angioplasty cost in Singapore?
Private angioplasty is a hospital procedure; the bill combines the cardiologist’s fee, cath-lab and hospital charges, stents and the ward stay, and typically runs into the tens of thousands of dollars. The Ministry of Health publishes fee benchmarks for private-sector procedures, a written estimate is provided before any planned procedure, and angioplasty is MediSave- and MediShield Life-claimable and covered by Integrated Shield Plans and most international insurers, subject to pre-authorisation.
Is angioplasty the same as heart surgery?
No. Angioplasty is a keyhole procedure done through a small puncture in the wrist or groin under local anaesthetic by a cardiologist, with most planned cases going home within a day. Bypass surgery is an open operation under general anaesthetic performed by a cardiac surgeon. Dr MacDonald works with cardiothoracic surgeons when surgery is the better option.
How long is the recovery after a stent or pacemaker?
After an uncomplicated angioplasty most people return to desk work within a week and to normal activity within two; driving is usually possible after a few days for a planned procedure. Pacemaker recovery is similar, with a few weeks of limited arm movement on the implant side. Cardiac rehabilitation is recommended after a heart attack.
Do I need a referral for a procedure?
Every procedure starts with a consultation and the appropriate tests, which you can book directly without a referral. If you have already had an angiogram elsewhere, bring the images and report; Dr MacDonald also provides second opinions on whether a recommended procedure is necessary.