An angiogram detects blockages using x-rays taken during the injection of a contrast agent (iodine dye). The procedure provides information that helps your vascular surgeon determine your best treatment options.

Our busy but well-run service provides outpatient care and investigative tests on the heart including:

• Exercise Stress Tests
• Exercise/Dobutamine Stress Echo
• 2D Echocardiography
• Rhythm monitoring devices
• Permanent Pacemaker checks

AVISENA is also renowned for providing expert care in Coronary Imaging and treatment, including:

• Coronary Angiography
• Coronary Angioplasty with Stenting
• Infarct Angioplasty
• Permanent Pacemaker implantation

We also have a strong Cardiac surgical team comprising two Cardiothoracic Surgeons, a Cardiac Anaesthetist, and the OT team providing expert surgical management. They provide treatment for:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
• Valve Replacement/Repair Surgery
• Atrial/Ventricular Septal Defect Closure Surgery

Angiogram Machine

Artis Q with PURE® is a visionary breakthrough in X-ray generation. Offering peerless high contrast resolution at any angle. While its high-dynamic-range detector enables advanced 3D imaging and enhanced guidance especially during interventional procedures in cardiology.

• Procedure Angiogram
• Intervention Procedure (PCI)
• Other Procedure Angiogram
• Future (Cerebral Angiogram)

CT Angiogram uses a CT scanner to produce detailed images of both blood vessels and tissues in various parts of the body. After scanning, the images will be processed using a special computer and software and reviewed in different planes and projections for easy diagnosis.

The Technology

CT Scanner

• A CT (computed tomography) scan is a relatively simple, safe and completely painless examination that radiologists have performed for many years
• SOMATOM® Perspective is a 128-slice CT scanner with the ability to scan the entire heart in only 0.48 seconds
• It has one of the lowest patient radiation exposures. This allows radiation doses below 1mSv for non-invasive coronary angiography compared to 8mSv to 40mSv radiation exposure encountered with other scanners

Calcium Scoring

A test used to survey all heart vessels for an assessment of heart attack risk:

• Determine the presence and extent of atherosclerosis (plaque)
• Help determine the risk of a future heart attack
• Recommend and monitor patient treatment
• Follow the progression or regression of coronary artery disease
• Gives the probability of blockages

• Family or personal history of CAD
• Past or present smoker
• High cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure
• Overweight
• Inactive lifestyle
• Male over 40 years of age, female over 50 years of age

• Complete a questionnaire to ensure your safety during this procedure
• Heart rate (HR) and Blood pressure (BP) will be taken to ensure good HR (<70bpm), BP (120/90) for the procedure
• Medication (beta-blocker) will be given if necessary
• Before the procedure, a staff nurse will insert an intravenous (IV) catheter into a vein, usually in your arm or hand
• The radiographer begins by positioning you on the CT examination table, usually lying flat on your back, while providing breathing instructions
• An automatic injection pump connected to the IV line will give contrast material at a controlled rate
• During scanning, the table will move relatively rapidly through the opening of the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed
• During CT angiography of the coronary arteries or aorta in the chest, electrocardiogram (ECG) leads will be placed on your chest to record heart rhythm during scanning. Depending upon how fast and regular your heart beats, your heart rate may be temporarily slowed down for the duration of the exam with medication to obtain motion free images of the heart
• Hold your breath during the scanning (for 20 sec). Any motion, whether breathing or body movements, can lead to artefacts on the images
• When the examination is completed, Radiographer verifies that the images are of high enough quality for accurate interpretation by the Cardiologist
• The entire CT angiography exam takes 20 minutes