Basic overview

• This is a test that involves the insertion of a small catheter into the wrist (radial artery) or leg (femoral artery). The catheter is then manoeuvred to the aorta (main blood vessel exiting the heart) under fluoroscopy (low-dose x-ray), and contrast dye is injected to directly image the heart arteries.

Indications for the test

• Suspected significant coronary artery disease
• Investigate for heart artery narrowings in the setting of an abnormal stress test
• Investigate for heart artery narrowings before open heart surgery (i.e. valve replacement)

What to expect

• You will be guided through the procedure on the day, including the risks (<1:1000 chance of a serious complication in experienced hands)
• You will have a cannula inserted into your arm so that sedation can be given (technically you are still conscious for the procedure, but very drowsy).
• After assessing the best access site for the angiogram catheter, your doctor will numb the relevant area with local anaesthetic before inserting the device.
• The procedure will take about 10-15 minutes once everything is set-up. Once finished a small band will be placed on the wrist, or if access was via the leg, your Doctor may push on this for about 10 minutes depending if your leg was suitable for a small closure plug.
• You will be moved to a monitored recovery bay until the sedation has worn off.