Coronary Angiography - Common Medical Tourism Procedures

Definition:

Coronary angiography is performed to diagnose blocked arteries of the heart and coronary artery disease (heart disease). A special dye and X-ray are used to check the blood flow through the heart of a patient. It is often performed with cardiac catheterization (medical procedure used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions).

Preparation for the procedure:

• Patient can be admitted into hospital a night before the procedure.
• Patient should not eat or drink anything 8 hours prior to the procedure.
• Inform the physician about any drug allergies.

During the procedure:

• Patient will be asked to wear a hospital gown and mild sedatives may be administered to ensure relaxation and comfort. Electrodes will be placed on the patient’s body to monitor heart rate during the procedure.
• The physician will insert a catheter in the groin or upper thigh, with the guided assistance of a fluoroscope (a special X-ray viewing instrument); this is then advanced up to the opening or the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels).
• The dye is injected through the catheter into the coronary artery and several images (X-rays) known as angiograms, are taken. The whole procedure may take approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
• Patient usually stays awake during the procedure, and may feel some pressure when the catheter is inserted.
• The catheter is removed once the procedure is complete and the insertion site (hole) will be sealed (sutured) or compressed to prevent bleeding.
• Patient will be transferred to the recovery room and monitored for 2-8 hours. Patient   needs to lie flat on their back in bed, for a few hours after the test to avoid bleeding.

Risks and Complications:

The procedure is relatively safe when performed by an experienced physician. However, some risks and complications associated with this procedure include:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Arterial damage
• Low blood pressure 
• Compression of the heart
• Allergic reaction to dye
• Haemorrhage
• Heart attack/stroke
• Infection
• Kidney damage

Uses of the procedure:

Coronary angiogram is used for the following:

• To find the blockage in the coronary arteries and diagnose specific coronary artery diseases such as unstable angina, atypical chest pain, aortic stenosis, or unexplained heart failure.
• To open the blockage found during the procedure through percutaneous coronary intervention or PCI.
• To assist the physician in diagnosing and recommending treatment for appropriate coronary artery diseases.

Travelers guide:

• Patients undergoing a coronary angiogram can return home 24 hours post procedure.
• Coronary angiogram is a relatively safe procedure and the patient can return home immediately after the procedure. However, it is always advisable to stay at the hospital  48 hours post procedure.