A CT (computerised tomography) scan is Where is the cardiac CT scanner? a special x-ray examination which allows us to take and review detailed images of Within the CT Department, situated on the body. Level 5 of the hospital Tower Block, Eastern Road, BN2 5BE CT coronary angiography is a relatively new technique, where we scan and take If you plan to arrive by car, the streets pictures of your heart and your coronary adjacent to the hospital offer paid parking arteries. This allows us to see any spaces, so please remember to bring some narrowing or blockages of the arteries coins. Also, whilst the scan itself typically around your heart. takes around 15 minutes, it’s advisable to Coronary ensure you are legally parked for up to We hope this leaflet answers any two hours. Angiography questions you may have, and also to a guide on what to expect when you make you as comfortable as possible attend your scan throughout your visit.
CT Superintendent Radiographer RSCH
Can’t make your appointment?
If you’re unable to make your appointment for any reason, please let us know in advance. We can then give your slot to another patient. Please ring the telephone number on © Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust Disclaimer your appointment letter. The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Ref number: 391.1 C P I G Publication Date: April 2016 atient information Review Date: April 2018 carer and patient information group approved 1
How is the CT coronary angiography How long will the scan take? scan carried out? The CT scan itself should only take Our radiographer will ask you to lie on around 15 minutes. At some point a special bed. ECG leads will be placed on during the scan we will ask you to hold your chest so that we can synchronise the your breath-this will be for no longer scanner with your heartbeat. We can then than 15 seconds. This again helps us to trigger the scanner to take a picture at get a clear picture of your heart – when a certain point of your heartbeat. The bed you breathe, your body moves, and so moves through the scanner and pictures can ‘blur’ the images that we take. of your heart and arteries are taken. We will practice the breath hold with So that we can see your heart and arteries Preparation for the scan? you before your scan, and go through clearly we will give you an injection of exactly what to expect during the a contrast (sometimes called dye) into a vein You do not need to make any special procedure. at the front of your elbow. The dye travels preparations for a CT coronary through your veins to your heart, and angiography scan, you can eat as normal, ‘highlights’ your heart when we take the and should continue to take any Are there alternatives to scan. It is harmless and will pass out of your medication you have been prescribed. a CT coronary angiography scan? body in due course. However... Prior to the introduction of CT coronary If your heart is beating quickly, it can be 1 If you are diabetic and taking the drug angiography, your heart and arteries difficult for us to get a clear picture. We will metformin, you should contact the would probably have been investigated therefore check your heart rate when you CT department in advance of your scan with ‘traditional’ coronary angiography. first arrive in the department and, if it is – see appointment letter for contact This is an ‘invasive’ procedure as it faster than the ideal rate, we may give you details. involves inserting a catheter into the some medication to slow it down. heart through an artery in the leg, This may be either in the form of a tablet 2 If you are asthmatic and use an then injecting dye using x-rays. or injection. inhaler please bring it with you to your appointment. CT coronary angiography, on the other Therefore, it is advisable to avoid driving hand, is non-invasive and this reduces or cycling to and from your appointment, Also, please avoid tea and coffee on the risk of complications. as this medication can make you drowsy. the day of your scan. These both contain caffeine, which can speed up your heart It is a good idea to ask someone to come with rate. After your scan, you will be able to you to the appointment if you can. return to your normal daily routine.
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