Coronary angiography

Duration of examination

CT angiography examinations take approximately 20 minutes. In some cases, this may vary. However please allow 1 – 2 hours for pre and post-examination monitoring and observation.

Please bring with you:

• Your request form
• Medicare and any
• Healthcare cards

Payment on the day of the examination is requested.

What is a CT coronary angiography?

CT coronary angiography uses multi-slice computed tomography (CT) technology to examine the blood vessels of the heart.

Iodinated contrast medium is used to highlight the blood vessels during the imaging phase of the examination.

Preparation

The heart is a beating structure, hence the referring doctor will give you beta-blockers (heart medication) to slow the heart and keep it at a steady beat.

You will also be asked to fast for two hours prior to the examination.

Please continue your regular medication as normal. However please inform us if you have kidney disease or have had a previous reaction to x‑ray contrast.

You will need to avoid any caffeine and smoking 24 hours prior to exam and cease exercise on the day of the examination. This allows the coronary arteries to be visualised without motion artefact.

For male patients, if they are taking erectile dysfunction medication, please advise that they need to cease this for three days prior to appointment.

What will happen during the examination?

You will be required to remove all clothing from above the waist and asked to change into a gown.

ECG leads (three dots) will be placed onto the chest to allow monitoring of the heart rate during the examination.

A small plastic IV catheter is placed into a vein of your arm. A syringe filled with contrast is placed in a mechanical pressure injector and attached to the catheter. A spray of GTN (angina medication) will be delivered under the tongue to dilate the heart arteries.

The injection process will then start. Most people experience a temporary warming sensation when the contrast is administered. This dissipates quickly. Scanning takes place at a time where the optimal visualisation of the arteries can be achieved.

You will be asked to hold your breath for the duration of the scan approximately ten seconds.

Are there any risks?

You will receive a small dose of x‑ray radiation. The benefits of detecting disease are believed to outweigh any potential risks from receiving such a small dose. However, please advise the radiographer if you are, or think you may be pregnant.

Problems related to the contrast injection are very rare. However please advise us if you have had a previous reaction to x‑ray contrast. The injection will be discussed prior to the examination, and you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and give your consent.

After the examination

The images will be reviewed and reported by our radiologist. These will then be sent to your referring clinician. For details on reporting timeframes, please speak with our reception staff. It is important that you follow up the results of your examination with your referring clinician.

It is important you understand why and how we will be assisting you. If you have any questions, please call one of our clinics or speak to our staff on the day of your visit.