CORONOARY ANGIOGRAPHY (CADIAC CATHETERISATION OR ANGIOGRAM)
Cardiac catheterisation allows Dr Flood to identify the location and degree of any
blockages in your coronary arteries.
An Overview of the Procedure
Under local anaesthetic, Dr Flood inserts a long, thin tube into a blood vessel (usually in
the groin). The tube is then gently directed to the heart and to the origin of the
coronary arteries. X-rays are taken after dye is injected into the coronary artery. This
dye is seen by the x-ray as a black line. Dr Flood is looking for a disruption of the black
line, which may signify an area of plaque build-up inside the wall of the artery.
At the same time, dye is injected into the heart's pumping chambers. This is done in
order to see how well the heart muscle and valves are working. Pressure
measurements are also taken at this time.
Preparing for the Procedure – What do you need to do?
You must attend the Hospital fasted (no food or drink for four hours prior to the test).
You may drink a little water to take your medications.
You will be given a mild sedative to help you relax, but this will not put you to sleep. It
is important that you can follow Dr Flood’s instructions, so you will remain awake but
comfortable throughout the procedure.
Catheterisation - What happens?
• You will be taken into the ‘Cath Lab' on a trolley, and then moved onto the Xray
table.
• You will have electrodes placed on your chest. Your groin will be swabbed with
antiseptic and then your body covered with drapes.
• Dr Flood will inject your groin with Xylocaine. This will numb the area. He will then
insert a small catheter into your blood vessels.
• Dr Flood will guide the catheter, via the blood vessels, to the heart. There will be
several injections of the dye via the catheter. The catheter may be moved around
during the procedure in order to get different views of your heart and coronary
arteries. It is normal to feel flushed all over the body when dye is injected.
• During the catheterisation procedure you may be asked to breathe deeply and
cough. You will be able to communicate with Dr Flood through the procedure,
however, due to the nature of the sedative, you may not recall much of what has
occurred. You can expect this procedure to last up to an hour.
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• At this time, Dr Flood will consider your needs in regards to Coronary Angioplasty
and Stenting. If you are a candidate for Angioplasty and Stenting, Dr Flood will
discuss when this can be undertaken. Usually, this procedure will be completed
directly after your angiogram. In some cases, you may have to come back to the
hospital for the further procedure. See Coronary Angioplasty and Stenting.
• The catheter is removed and firm pressure is applied to the incision in your groin for
approximately 10-30 minutes. You will be required to lie flat for 3 hours afterwards
to allow the insertion point to begin to heal. The nursing staff will monitor your
blood pressure, catheter site and symptoms during this time.
Results
Dr Flood will discuss your findings with you immediately after the procedure
When will you be discharged?
Most patients who have undergone Coronary Angiography will be discharged and
released later the same day. See Angioplasty and Stenting for release after these
procedures.
You may notice some bruising at the catheter insertion site as well as a hard lump. If
you are concerned about any aspects of your recovery after discharge, you should
follow the contact instructions given to you by the Hospital after the procedure.
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