38 Irrawaddy Road #08-51, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore 329563
38 Irrawaddy Road #08-51, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore 329563
Cardiac catheterisation is a diagnostic procedure in which a thin flexible tube, known as a catheter, is pushed through a blood vessel and into the heart. The purpose is to diagnose or treat a number of different heart conditions.
Cardiac catheterisation may be recommended for patients who have coronary heart disease, congenital heart disease, heart valve disease, or heart failure.
During a cardiac catheterisation, your Cardiologist is able to identify blockages, measure oxygen and pressure levels in various parts of the heart, assess how well the heart is functioning, take a biopsy sample, examine the heart for clots, and diagnose any pre-existing heart valve diseases.
A cardiac catheterisation may also aid in, or be performed alongside, procedures such as an angioplasty, cardiac ablation, balloon valvuloplasty, or heart valve surgery.
During the procedure, the catheter is inserted into a blood vessel from your wrist or groin. The tip of the catheter is then guided to your heart and coronary arteries using X-ray imaging. Once the catheter has reached the heart, the next step depends on the specific purpose of the cardiac catheterisation being performed on the patient. This is usually decided by the cardiologist doing the procedure.
One of the more common uses of cardiac catheterisation is to perform what is known as a coronary angiogram.
A coronary angiogram, also referred to as coronary angiography, is a crucial procedure performed in Singapore to assess the condition of the heart’s blood vessels. During this procedure, a dye, known as a contrast medium, is injected into the catheter following a cardiac catheterization.
Once the contrast medium is injected, X-ray images, or angiograms, of the heart are captured. These angiograms allows us to visualise the blood vessels and identify any potential issues such as narrowing or blockages. This diagnostic technique is particularly effective in detecting atherosclerosis, pinpointing blockages within the heart vessels, monitoring blood flow through the heart, and evaluating the outcomes of any prior bypass surgeries.
By providing valuable insights into the state of your cardiovascular health, a coronary angiogram empowers your heart specialist to make more informed decisions regarding treatment protocols. This comprehensive assessment enables them to recommend suitable procedures or interventions tailored to your specific needs. If you are in Singapore and seeking a thorough evaluation of your heart’s condition, a coronary angiogram can be an invaluable diagnostic tool in guiding your healthcare journey.
Risks and Recovery
While cardiac catheterisations and coronary angiograms are relatively safe procedures, there are always certain risks to be mindful of.
Minor risks of the procedure include:
There are a few major complications that can arise from cardiac catheterisations and coronary angiograms, although the risks are very small. They include:
After having a cardiac catheterisation and coronary angiogram, your pulse and blood pressure will be monitored for a few hours by your heart specialist team. If the catheter site was in your groin, you will be asked to lie flat and allowed to sit up after a few hours. If your arm was chosen to be the catheter site, you should be able to sit up straight away.
You will be allowed to eat and drink soon after the procedure. Tenderness at the catheter site is a common symptom and can last a few days, while any bruising could take up to two weeks to resolve. Most people feel fine after a day or so and are back on their feet.
You will be admitted to hospital a few hours before to prepare you for the procedure.
You should fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
Confirm with your doctor which medications you may have to stop
You will be given a light sedation to make you feel more comfortable and relaxed. There might be some minor discomfort during the procedure and the only slight pain you may feel is the application of the local anaesthetic. After that, you should not feel the catheter moving through the arteries as there are no nerves present.
Generally it should take less than 20 minutes to finish a coronary angiogram. However, if you require further procedures such as an angioplasty, the whole process could take longer.
The coronary angiogram and angioplasty results will be discussed with you immediately after the procedure.
Avoid driving or operating machinery for 24 hours after the procedure. Do not play sports or do any heavy lifting for 4-5 days after getting a coronary angiogram. Contact your Cardiologist if you have a high temperature, rashes, swelling or pain at the procedure site.