Why would you need the procedure?
The procedure is performed in patients with chest pain (angina pectoris), who have clearly positive non-invasive diagnostic test results (ergometry, heart scintigraphy, ECG holter, cardiac ultrasound) with symptoms indicating the coronary heart disease. The procedure is urgent in patients presented with an acute coronary syndrome or unstable angina pectoris (progression of symptoms in the last 2 months and/or at minimal physical activity and/or at rest).
When would you need the procedure?
Invasive coronary angiography is required upon the recommendation of a cardiologist.
What does the procedure include?
Invasive coronary angiography is performed at the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
A needle is inserted (punctured) in the femoral artery, which is located in the groin (inguinal) area or in the radial artery, located above the wrist. In our laboratory, more than 90% of procedures are performed using a transradial approach that is in accordance with the highest world standards. An insertion site is disinfected before the puncture. A local anaesthetic is administered. The puncture is followed by insertion of the guidewire in the artery, which allows easier catheter manipulation. A catheter (long thin tube, 2mm wide) is threaded through the aorta to the heart i.e. coronary arteries. A contrast agent is then infused which allows imaging of the coronary arteries at the X-ray screen showing clearly the potential arterial narrowing i.e. During the procedure, the patient is constantly awake.
How to get prepared?
It is necessary to be on empty stomach and with a shaved groin. Bring your complete medical records, daily drug therapy, and personal hygiene accessories. In the case of interventions on the coronary arteries, the patient stays in the hospital one day, and in the case of diagnostic coronary angiography, is discharged home the same day. Prior to hospitalization, basic laboratory tests should be performed on an outpatient basis: blood type, CBC, CRP, K, Na, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, AST, ALT, GGT, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, PT or INR, APTT. These findings should not be older than 14 days. Persons suffering from diabetes or chronic renal failure should have increased hydration for several days before the procedure. If you are taking medicines that prevent blood clotting (Martefarin, Pradaxa, Eliquis, Xarelto, etc.), you should notify the interventional cardiologist one week before the scheduled surgery to agree about the time of discontinuation of therapy. In case of acute inflammatory events (pneumonia, urinary tract inflammation, influenza, etc.) or in case of an allergy to iodine contrast, the interventional cardiologist should be informed on time.