Binita Shah, MD

At NYU Langone’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, I provide treatment for people whose arteries are blocked due to heart disease. Every person’s diagnosis is different, so care starts with a series of questions. What is the extent of the blockage? Does the artery need to be opened with a stent, or can it be treated with medication? If a procedure is needed, what is the best approach? It’s this challenge—to solve unique problems with creative solutions—that led me to become an interventional cardiologist.

For each patient, my team looks at numerous factors before coming up with a treatment plan. We consider a person’s age, overall health, the extent of the blockage, and its location. We then determine the best technique for opening the artery. Most often this involves the use of stents, which help restore healthy blood flow. Sometimes a person has more than one blockage, and that factors into our planning as well.

I specialize in radial artery catheterization, a technique in which we access the coronary arteries by placing a catheter in an artery in the wrist. Another option is to use an artery in the groin, but research shows that for most patients, radial access is better. This is especially true for people who need complicated procedures or have other health issues.

When possible, I encourage my patients to ask questions before we start a procedure. I do my best to explain the recommended treatment and associated risks, and I encourage shared decision-making. It’s important that I understand my patients concerns so I can help them return to their active lives.

During my medical training, I realized that I excel in emergency situations. I can steer the ship and stay calm, which is important in interventional cardiology. It’s immensely satisfying to know that because of my care, people walk out of the hospital and can be with their families. That is the part of the job that makes it all worthwhile.