NEVILLE SAMMEL MB BCh DDU Cardiologist, St Vincent’s Hospital Adjunct Associate Professor, University Notre Dame Australia Conjoint Senior Lecturer, University NSW CT Coronary Angiogram
A CT coronary angiogram is a study of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. This does not replace conventional catheterisation, and may not be suitable for all patients, but it can be done without going into the heart. This is made possible because of the development of super-fast computed tomography (CT) scanners that can scan the heart in about 8 seconds.
The CT coronary angiogram is undertaken at the Day Procedure Centre (Level 5) of St. Vincent’s General Hospital (Ph: 02 8382 3526). Proceed to Day Procedure Centre and follow the signs to Medical Imaging CT (cubicle 3).
A cardiac CT costs $800 and is payable at the time of consultation. Please note that a cardiac CT scan is not Medicare rebateable and cannot be claimed on your health fund.
Patient Instructions 1. Do not have any caffeine (tea, coffee, chocolate or soft drink) for 24 hours prior to the test. 2. Do not have any energy or diet pills for 24 hours prior to the test. Do not have any Viagra or similar
medications for 24 hours prior to the test.
3. You must fast (nothing to eat or drink) for 4 hours prior to the test. Procedure 1. You must arrive 1 hour prior to your scan 2. On arrival, you will be given a questionnaire to complete. You will then be given some oral medication
called beta blockers, which slow your heart and ensure it beats at a constant rate. This medication can make some people feel dizzy when standing up suddenly. You will then be monitored over the next 30-60 minutes to measure your heart rate. Once the desired heart rate is reached, the scan can be performed.
3. Before scanning, you may be given a spray or tablet in your mouth to help show the blood vessels better.
Occasionally, this can produce a mild headache for a while after the scan.
4. While you are on the CT table, ECG (heart) leads are connected to your chest to monitor the heart. A
needle is placed into a vein in your arm (similar to a blood test) so a small amount of contrast media can be administered (x-ray dye). The dye is injected and, when it reaches your heart, the scan will begin. During the injection of dye, you may feel a warm, flushing sensation that lasts 2-3 minutes.
5. The scan lasts about 8 seconds and it is crucial to stay as calm and relaxed as possible – do not move or 6. After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short period of time before being allowed to leave. The CT Coronary Angiogram Appointment Time and Date:
Please ring / attend Dr Sammel’s rooms on
for your results and any further instructions
www.heartdoctor.com.au 328 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010 Ph: 02 9332 2088 Fax: 02 9361 4324 Email: nsammel@bigpond.net.au
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NEVILLE SAMMEL