PTCA Cardiology

Dr. Abraham Jacob Dr. Abraham Jacob is certified in age management medicine and is a board certified cardiologist and specializes in preventative, nuclear and interventional cardiology. Currently practicing in Plano, Texas, he is a partner of The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano (THHBP), and is also on staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center. Dr. Jacob truly cares about his patients and making a difference in their lives. He takes the time to not only listen, but to understand their situation and lifestyle. Patients of PTCA Cardiology are fortunate enough to know that Dr. Jacob is a rare find, and someone who is genuinely concerned about their welfare. Not only is he one of the Country’s leading cardiologists, he has cultivated a medical staff that shares his vision and values. They work seamlessly to provide the most rewarding patient experience possible, maintaining an efficient operation and fostering an atmosphere of care and compassion. To find out more about Dr. Abraham Jacob, read his extended biography and learn more about his preventative programs.

Associations

We were treated with respect and Dr. Jacob was very kind, professional, and really cares about his patients.
North Texas Patient
Best Doctor in Texas! Here's my quick story!
Plano Patient

Procedures & Patient Resources

At PTCA Cardiology, we care about giving our patients as much information as possible related to procedures they may have to undergo. This section is dedicated to helping our patients and their families with resources, links and videos that may give them the knowledge they need to better understand their diagnosis.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography is one of the most commonly used diagnostic tests for structural heart disease, providing a wide variety of information about the heart including the shape and size, location and strength. This test will also reveal whether or not there is any damage to the heart tissue, exactly where the damage is located, and the condition of the valves. Dr. Jacob is able to assess the motion of the heart wall and detect the presence of coronary artery disease among other abnormalities, if present. The process is non-evasive and similar to an ultrasound, and uses high-frequency sound waves to provide information.

Additional resources: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003869.htm

Stress Echocardiography

Stress Echocardiography incorporates the Echocardiography diagnostic test with treadmill exercises, and readings are taken before and after to compare resting and non-resting readings.

Additional resources: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007150.htm

Nuclear Stress Test

A Nuclear Stress Test involves the injection of a radio tracer, then pictures are acquired from outside the body of the heart with a gamma camera. It is usually performed before and after treadmill exercise or after a pharmacological agent and captures information about blood flow through the coronary arteries. This procedure is minimally invasive, but will allow Dr. Jacob to pinpoint the exact location of any decreased blood flow.

Additional resources: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007201.htm

Angioplasty

Angioplasty is the term used to describe a technique of manually widening arteries that have become obstructed by plaque by inserting a balloon catheter. The catheter is inflated in the areas of obstruction to increase blood flow, then removed. This procedure is invasive, and will involve hospitalization but can be done as an out-patient, however the stay is not extended. Patients are usually discharged the same day or the following morning and back to their normal routines within 48-72 hours following the procedure.

Additional resources: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/angioplasty.html http://www.uptodate.com/contents/heart-stents-and-angioplasty-beyond-the-basics?view=print

Stenting

Stenting is performed in conjunction with angioplasty. A tiny mesh tube called a stent is inserted into the artery at the site of the blockage. When the angioplasty balloon is inflated, the stent expands and stays in place to hold the artery open.

Additional resources: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002303.htm

Fractional Flow Reserve

Fractional Flow Reserve refers to the process of inserting a very thin guide wire into the artery through a guide catheter. The guide wire collects data relating to the amount and quality of blood flow in the area, and will allow Dr. Jacob to make a determination as to whether or not the blockage needs to be treated with a stent or with medication. This procedure is invasive and can be performed as an out-patient in the hospital.

Additional resources: http://www.ptca.org/ivus/FFR.html

IVUS: Intravascular Ultrasound

IVUS is an ultrasound probe placed in the coronary arteries at the site of the blockage and is performed by Dr. Jacob, allowing him to view the inside of the artery, pinpointing the location and extent of blockage within the vessel. Additionally, it is used to assess the progress and/or effects of stents that have been previously implanted.

Additional resources: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007266.htm

OCT: Optical Coherence Tomography

Also known as OCT, this is a medical imaging technique that utilizes light, allowing Dr. Jacob to capture 3D images of the arterial walls of the coronary arteries. This procedure is invasive and like the other invasive procedures, can be done as an out-patient.

Additional resources: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.CIR.93.6.1206

Atherectomy

Atherectomy refers to the process of removing plaque buildup or lesions within an artery or blood vessel. The procedure is performed similarly to an angioplasty, as a tiny wire is inserted into the vessel. The end of the wire is fitted with a special tool called a Rotoblade or Cutting Balloon.

Additional resources: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pad/treatment

Thrombectomy

A Thrombectomy refers to the removal of a blood clot that may be blocking blood circulation within an artery. The clot or blockage is removed from the blood vessel or artery with suction.

Additional resources: http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Blood-Disorders/Clots/3816.aspx

Holter Monitors / Event Monitors

Holter Monitors are most commonly used for electrocardiography, or ECG recordings. The monitor consists of a small device that gathers data through multiple leads that are attached to the patient. This monitor is light and portable, and can be used to gather data over a 24 hour period and an event monitor is used to gather data over longer period of time even up to a month. Dr. Jacob uses both types of monitors to effectively determine if a patient has an abnormal rhythm which can dictate the appropriate therapy for that particular condition.

Implantable Loop Recorders

An Implantable Loop Recorder is a small device that is inserted just under the skin, in the area of the chest that records the electrical activity of the heart. This device allows Dr. Abraham to track abnormal activity in the heart in patients that need long term monitoring, usually up to three years.

PM: Permanent Pacemakers

A Pacemaker is a medical device that is used to create electrical impulses that regulate the patient’s heartbeat, with the primary purpose being to maintain or stabilize the patient’s heart rate. This procedure requires hospitalization of 24 hours, and recovery times vary by patient. It is also possible for a patient’s lifestyle to be altered slightly, however the benefits of the implantation far outweigh any inconveniences.

Additional resources: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pace/howdoes

Programming, Interrogating and Interpreting PMs and ICDs

Dr. Jacob has extensive knowledge, experience and training with various types and models of pacemakers and defibrillators. His understanding and expertise with programming, interrogation and interpretation allows him to recommend the device that best suits his patient’s individual needs.

ABI: Ankle Brachial Index

The ABI is a non-evasive procedure that uses blood pressure testing to determine the rate of blood flow in the lower extremities compared to the upper extremities. It is performed on the lower legs, with a blood pressure cuff and an ultrasound blood flow detector.

Additional resources: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/pad/about/diagnosis.html

Segmental Pressures

Using the same machine as the ABI, Dr. Jacob can make a determination of the location of blockage in the artery of the legs by measuring pressures at different segments of the legs.

Carotid Arter, Lower Extremity Arterial & Venous Ultrasound

This procedure uses ultrasound technology to determine the health of veins and arteries, and may be part of a patient’s initial testing. The procedure is non-evasive and can be performed at Dr. Jacob’s office.

Additional resources: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cu

Contact Us

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Abraham Jacob, or would just like more information on our practice, fill out the contact form or call our office today. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are waiting to assist you!

Our offices are located at 4100 W 15th St, Suite 200, Plano TX 75093 OFFICE: 972-588-4393