Microsoft word - insight_ccta-patientinstructions_02.doc

Coronary CT Angiography
Your physician has recommended that you undergo a pain-free, non-invasive, non-surgical procedure called CT Angiography at Insight Medical Imaging. Through the use of x-rays and computers, the CT scan is able to generate cross-sectional images of your heart and coronary arteries. These very detailed and accurate images can help physicians diagnose and treat disease. Please expect to be in our clinic for 30-60 minutes. At Insight Medical Imaging, we are committed to providing you with a comfortable experience. If you have any additional questions after reading this information and our brochure, please contact our office at (780) 489-5313 or speak with your personal physician. What to Expect from CT Angiography
This is an out-patient non-invasive procedure which means that it will be performed in a clinic and not in the hospital.
There is very little to do to prepare for this examination: A blood test might be ordered, or results of recent test provided to be certain you do not have kidney problems that would be affected by the injected contrast. Do not exercise the day of the procedure and come in relaxed, without any schedule conflicts. The quality of the test is best with a regular and low heart rate. You will be advised to take medications (beta-blockers) to slow and regularize your heart rate the night before Come for the exam well hydrated with non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks. This will help to clear out the dye If you are taking medications for diabetes, check with your doctor to see if they should be discontinued before Refrain from taking any medications such as Viagra or Cialis. If you have an allergy to contrast, please let us know prior to the test date as we may be able to arrange for some medication for you which will prevent you from having a reaction. If you have had a life threatening reaction to contrast, serious reaction to iodine or shellfish, you should consult your physician before proceeding. You will be asked to fill out a simple form to be certain we know about your health. To begin the procedure, a technician will have you lie down on your back on a table. EKG leads will be placed on your chest and your heart rate will be monitored. If your heart rate is too fast or irregular the study might be cancelled. The technician will begin an intravenous line (IV) with a small needle. You might receive prophylactic treatment for contrast allergy or medications to slow your heart rate further (beta-blockers) through this IV. After these preparations, a small amount of contrast will be injected into your blood stream, which will allow physicians to see the insides of the arteries clearly. Arteries as small as several millimeters are commonly seen. You will be asked to hold your breath while the scan takes pictures of your heart. Too much calcium in the coronary arteries, devices (stents, pacemakers, defibrillators, etc.), irregular heartbeats, a fast heart rate or body movement may limit interpretation of the scans. If you have had abnormal kidney functions at anytime prior to the test, you may be asked to return to your physician for follow up blood tests. When complete, you will be able to get up from the table and resume your normal activities. The CT scan results will be given to your referring physician who will share the results with you.

Source: http://www.insightimaging.ca/_pdf/Insight_CCTA-PatientInstructions.pdf