Angiography (Catheterization Laboratory) is an invasive-diagnostic medical procedure to detect embolism (cardiovascular coronary). Through this procedure, we examine suitable treatments for the patient. Doctors could recommend further treatment depending on the result of the angiography, such as an intervention using a balloon, stent application, or bypass surgery. A skillful cardiologist team with the support of our sophisticated facilities performs angiography in Awal Bros Hospital, so that we can detect cardiovascular problems accurately. Angiography is a very common procedure and is generally considered safe.

Angiography Procedure

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and lie on a table. To create the X-ray images, your doctor will inject a liquid dye through a thin, flexible tube, called a catheter. The access point where the catheter is to be inserted will be cleaned, usually in your arm but it can also be in your groin. The dye makes the blood flowing inside the blood vessels visible on an X-ray and shows any narrowed or blocked area in the blood vessel. Then, a catheter is carefully guided through a vein or artery to a position near the heart. A local anesthetic will be given to numb the skin so you feel no discomfort or pain. The dye is later eliminated from your body through your kidneys and your urine.

An angiogram can take out about one to two hours. During your procedure, you’ll be monitored by a heart monitor that records your heart rate and rhythm. If you feel unwell or experience discomfort at any time, you should tell a member of the hospital staff.

How Do You Prepare for a Angiography ?

Before you have coronary angiography, you may have other tests done first, such as blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), a chest X-ray and possibly an exercise test (‘stress test’). You should not eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before having coronary angiography. Consult with your doctor about food, drink, and medications you take before the treatment. It is very important to tell the doctors and nurses looking after you if you have diabetes, asthma, any allergies or any problems with your kidneys, as special precautions may be necessary.