Dr. Joe Aoun, MD is an interventional cardiologist in HOUSTON, TX specializing in interventional cardiology. He graduated from Saint Joseph University of Beirut. Dr. Joe Aoun, MD is affiliated with Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston Methodist, TMH PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES PLLC and Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital.
Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a common, minimally invasive procedure performed to restore blood flow in arteries and veins that have become narrowed or blocked. Age or illness can cause plaque to build up at certain spots within the veins and arteries, and if enough collects, it can restrict the flow of blood. Angioplasty uses a tiny balloon at the end of a small, flexible tube to inflate within the narrowed section and open it up again.
Angioplasty may be performed in several different areas of the body and for a variety of reasons, most often:
During angioplasty, a patient is given a sedative while lying on a table under an x-ray machine. A catheter (a thin, flexible, and hollow tube) is inserted into the patient's skin in the arm or groin and guided into the blocked artery. Dye is injected via the catheter, and x-rays are used to position the tip of the catheter exactly at the blockage. The tiny balloon is guided through the catheter and inflated with saline. It pushes the plaque out of the way, squishing it against the walls of the artery. The balloon may be inflated and deflated several times to let blood pass by. A stent, a tiny tube of metal mesh like a spring, may be inserted to help keep the artery open. Then the x-ray is used again to check that blood is flowing properly, the catheter is removed, and the tiny incision is bandaged.
There are no nerves within veins and arteries, so an angioplasty is generally not painful. However, there may be some discomfort at the site of the incision and when the balloon is inflated. Overall, angioplasty is a very effective and low-risk procedure, useful for helping patients avoid more difficult bypass surgery.
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure done to check on the health of the heart. A tiny, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel through a very small opening, usually in the groin, and threaded through the blood vessel up to the heart. Once the catheter is in place, it can diagnose problems in the heart and perform certain corrective procedures.
A coronary catheter can be used to:
Because all of this can be accomplished without the need for open surgery, cardiac catheterization has become a popular option.
Heart Problems
The heart is one of the most important organs in the body. This smooth muscle expands and contracts rhythmically an entire lifetime, pumping blood to the lungs and then to every other cell in the body. When heart problems occur, it becomes difficult for the body to get the nutrients and oxygen it needs via the blood. So while there are a variety of illnesses and disorders that affect the heart, most of them cause weakness, exhaustion and shortness of breath. The most common heart conditions include heart disease, angina, arrhythmia, and valve disorders.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. This includes coronary artery disease, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Some conditions, such as genetics, cannot be controlled. But there are many other things one can do to lower their risk for heart disease. Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing or stopping smoking, exercising more and losing weight if needed, and eating a diet low in sodium can all protect the heart.
Angina is a squeezing type of chest pain that happens when the muscles around the heart don't get enough oxygen. It can be regular or infrequent. Usually, angina is caused by coronary heart disease. However, not all chest pain is angina. Chest pain can also be caused by a lung infection or panic attack, for example, so it is important to have any sudden pain checked.
Arrhythmia is the word for when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly with skipped beats. It can feel frightening, and depending on the type it can be dangerous, but in most cases arrhythmia is not serious and can be treated. It is very common, especially in older adults.
Heart valve problems can happen in any one of the the heart's four valves that keep blood flowing where it needs to go. Babies can be born with problems in their heart valves, or valves can be damaged by infections. The valves can stiffen and become less mobile, or they can stop closing properly and 'leak' when the heart beats. Valve problems can usually be repaired surgically.
Dr. Joe Aoun, MD graduated from Saint Joseph University of Beirut. He completed residency at Tufts University Affiliated Hospitals. He has a state license in Texas.
Medical School: Saint Joseph University of Beirut
Residency: Tufts University Affiliated Hospitals
Licensed In: Texas
Dr. Joe Aoun, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Joe Aoun, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA Open Access, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare POS, United Healthcare HMO, United Healthcare EPO, Blue Choice PPO, Blue Choice POS, First Health PPO, Aetna POS, Aetna QPOS, Aetna Workers' Compensation, Golden Rule, Best Doctors, Aetna Select, Aetna EPO, Trustmark , Aetna PPO, Aetna HMO, CIGNA Network, Aetna Signature Administrators, CIGNA PPO, Aetna Affordable Health Choices, CIGNA POS, CIGNA HMO, Aetna Medicare PPO, CIGNA EPO, CIGNA Choice Fund, CIGNA Indemnity, AARP, Medicare Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO, Blue Cross Blue Shield POS, Blue Cross Blue Shield EPO, Three Rivers Provider Network, Coventry PPO, HealthSpring, US Family Health Plan, United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Medicare, Railroad Medicare, Humana, Cigna, Molina Healthcare, WellPoint, Aetna Open Access, United Healthcare Community Plan (AmeriChoice), Humana Medicare Advantage PPO, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, CIGNA Network Open Access, PHCS PPO, MultiPlan PPO, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Aetna APCN Plus Multi-Tier HM Tier 2, GeoBlue, BCBS PPO GUIDESTONE, TRS-Care Standard ALT B II Group 485006, TRS-Care Standard ALT B I Group 485005, Community Health Choice PREMIER Gold, TRS-ActiveCare Fully Insured Plan-South Texas Region Group 295430, TX Annual Conf of UMC-UMR, Aetna Student Health, TRS-Care Standard ALT A II Group 485003, Aetna Transplant, TRS-ActiveCare Primary Group 385003, DEVOTED DUAL PLUS GREATER HOUSTON, DEVOTED CORE GREATER HOUSTON HMO, TRS-Care Standard Group 485000, UnitedHealthOne, TRS-Care Standard ALT A I Group 485002, Community Health Choice PREMIER Silver, Blue Essentials Access, UMR, TRS-ActiveCare Fully Insured Plan-West Texas Region Group 295781, TRS-ActiveCare 2 Group 385002, DEVOTED EXTRA GREATER HOUSTON (HMO), HAA Preferred Partners (International), Aetna Common Spirit Minimum Value Plan, BCBS PPO Wespath, Aetna Health Network, Aetna Managed Choice / Elect Choice, United Health Integrated Services, Aetna Meritain Hlth/Aetna Premier Care (APCN), Olympus Managed Care (International), DEVOTED PREMIUM (PRIME) GREATER HOUSTON (HMO), Aetna Medicare HMO Prime, Aetna Choice POS / Open Choice, Aetna Signature Administrators Allied Benefits, Blue Edge, Blue Essentials, Aetna International, Aetna Medicare Dual Complete Plan (HMO D-SNP), Aetna TX Pref Plus II Network, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Federal Employee Plan, DEVOTED GIVEBACK GREATER HOUSTON (HMO), TRS-Care Standard CMED Group 485001, TRS-ActiveCare HD Group 385000, TRS-ActiveCare Primary Plus Group 385001, Aetna Signature Administrators TX Annual Conf of UMC and Aetna Premier Care Network.
According to our sources, Dr. Joe Aoun, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Joe Aoun, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.88 out of 5 stars based on 15 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Joe Aoun, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in HOUSTON, TX.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Joe Aoun, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
| Abbott Laboratories |
$4,869
OPTIS $1,386 |
MitraClip $1,158 |
CardioMEMS $507 |
DRAGONFLY OPSTAR $248 |
THORATEC HEARTMATE 3 LVAS IMPLANT KIT $160 |
Other $1,409 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medtronic, Inc. |
$4,258
RESOLUTE ONYX $1,443 |
COREVALVE EVOLUT R $1,432 |
Resolute $280 |
AZURE XT DR MRI SURESCAN $187 |
COBALT DR MRI SURESCAN $151 |
Other $764 |
| Boston Scientific Corporation |
$983
AVVIGO Guidance System $232 |
WATCHMAN FLX $187 |
$564 |
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| ABIOMED |
$746
Impella $746 |
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| Amgen Inc. |
$589
Repatha $589 |
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| Other |
$2,659
Carto 3 System $481 |
(BH4) IGT Devices Undivided $263 |
Cardiva VASCADE MVP VVCS 6-12F $230 |
VYNDAQEL $203 |
SAPIEN 3 Ultra RESILIA $175 |
Other $1,307 |
| Food and Beverage | $10,393 |
|---|---|
| Travel and Lodging | $3,332 |
| Education | $379 |
Dr. Joe Aoun's specialty is interventional cardiology. He has a 5.0 out of 5 star average patient rating. Areas of expertise for Dr. Aoun include WATCHMAN procedure, heart valve disease, and high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Dr. Aoun is affiliated with Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Aoun is an in-network provider for several insurance carriers, including Trustmark, Aetna EPO, and Blue California. His practice in Houston, TX is open to new patients as reported by Doctor.com. He graduated from Saint Joseph University of Beirut. His medical residency was performed at a hospital affiliated with Tufts University. Dr. Aoun (or staff) speaks Arabic and French.