Coronary Angiogram
Coronary Angiogram by
Dr Nima Rudd Cardiologist
Coronary angiogram (or cardiac catheterisation) is a minimally invasive procedure to determine if an individual has coronary artery disease or not. It is usually performed with a small entry in the wrist artery( Radial artery ) which is Dr Rudd’s preferred approach In the last 10 years.
Alternative approaches include the grion which is only used for rare occasions when access to the heart is not possible through the radial artery ( due to blockages and anatomy variations) less commonly used due to its vascular injury risk ( Dr. Rudd is experienced in this approach as well).
After cleaning the wrist with an antiseptic, the patient is draped with sterile covering. A local anaesthetic is instilled in the wrist area, and a small 1 mm puncture is made to allow a tiny catheter to be inserted up towards the top of the aorta. The catheter is then manipulated to engage the origins of the coronary arteries, and contrast dye is then injected to visualise the artery outlines. Instant digital replay is available.
A total of 8 – 10 “runs” are made with the camera in various angles of the body, to enable the arteries to be visualised fully. A narrowing is then identified, and measures to perform coronary stenting may then be made. Occasionally, we may not have all the right equipment to fix a peculiar or unusual narrowing. In this case, the patient will have to come back for the treatment procedure – stent or etc.
If multiple blockages are found, coronary artery bypass surgery may be recommended, in this situation, the patient may either be admitted for stabilisation, or be discharged for a future appointment to see a cardiac surgeon.
Coronary Angiogram at Hospital
Dr. Rudd routinely uses a 4 French size radial sheaths (3 French = 1 mm) – the smallest diameter catheter available, in order to reduce artery puncture trauma. The actual procedure takes about 10 minutes, but the whole process from admission to discharge takes about 4 – 5 hours.
After a stent procedure, you will be observed overnight in the coronary care unit before being discharged.
You will not be charged any extra fees for your procedure at the Private Hospital, Dr. Rudd subscribes to the “No-Gap Scheme” (your private health insurance covers the gap).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about coronary angiography, what the procedure involves and what to expect from your cardiac assessment.
A coronary angiogram is a specialised cardiac procedure used to examine the coronary arteries and identify narrowing or blockages that may affect blood flow to the heart.
Your cardiologist may recommend coronary angiography when a detailed assessment of the coronary arteries is required based on your symptoms, medical history or results from previous cardiac investigations.
A thin catheter is introduced through a blood vessel and guided towards the heart. Contrast material is then used with specialised imaging to examine the coronary arteries and assess blood flow.
The duration of a coronary angiogram can vary depending on the individual patient and whether any additional assessment or treatment is required during the procedure. Your healthcare team will provide information about your expected appointment and recovery time.
A coronary angiogram is performed using local anaesthetic at the catheter insertion site. You may feel some pressure or sensations during parts of the procedure. Your medical team will monitor you throughout the examination.
If a significant narrowing is identified, coronary angioplasty and stenting may sometimes be performed as part of the same treatment session. The appropriate treatment depends on the findings and your individual clinical circumstances.
After the procedure, you will be monitored while you recover. Your healthcare team will provide instructions about recovery, medications, activity and follow-up based on your individual procedure and circumstances.