Angiogram
After you arrive, the doctor or a nurse will shave the hair off the area where the angiogram catheter will be placed. Catheters are inserted in the wrist, arm or groin. The area will then be cleaned with antiseptic and you’ll be given an injection of local anaesthetic to numb the area. Your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored.
The catheter is then inserted and carefully threaded through the artery all the way into your heart. The doctors will be monitoring the trajectory of the catheter on video screens. By injecting dye into the arteries, they can view any blockages using x-ray images. You shouldn't feel any pain at this point, but you may feel a temporary flushing sensation on your skin as a side effect of the dye.
Angioplasty
When a blockage is located, a second catheter is inserted inside the first one. A balloon on its tip is inflated to re-open the artery. You may feel some pain when the balloon is inflated.
Stenting
While the catheter is in the artery, one or more stents may be placed to prevent the artery from re-narrowing.
After the procedures are complete, the catheter is removed and pressure is applied to minimise bleeding.
Then the wound is dressed and you’re taken to the recovery room. The procedure usually takes about 90 minutes depending on the complexity.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.