CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION AND CORONARY STENT

CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION AND CORONARY STENT PLACEMENT

What is an Angiogram?

An angiogram, also called cardiac catheterization, is a procedure that helps doctors detect blockages or narrowing in your heart’s arteries. A special dye is injected into the coronary arteries, and X-rays are taken to see how well blood is flowing. If severe blockages are found, a stent can be placed to open the artery during the same procedure.

This procedure is usually done in a hospital in a cardiac catheterization lab. Most patients go home the same day unless other conditions like kidney failure or severe heart problems require an overnight stay.

Coronary Stent Procedure:

A coronary stent procedure is a minimally invasive treatment used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. This procedure helps restore blood flow and prevent heart attacks. The process begins with a catheter inserted into an artery, usually through the groin or wrist, and guided to the coronary artery. A balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and then a small metal mesh tube (the stent) is placed to keep the artery open.

The stent remains permanently in the artery, helping to prevent it from narrowing again. Some stents are coated with medication (drug-eluting stents) to further reduce the risk of future blockages. After the procedure, patients typically take medications to prevent blood clots and are advised to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet.

This procedure greatly reduces the risk of heart attack and chest pain, improving patients’ quality of life and long-term heart health.

Before Your Procedure

Fasting: Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before your angiogram.
Medications:
- Take your regular medications with a sip of water, except for:
  - Coumadin: Stop 2 days before.
  - Eliquis, Xarelto, Pradaxa: Stop 48 hours before.
  - Insulin: Take half your normal dose.
  - Metformin: Stop 24 hours before and restart 48 hours after the procedure.
Allergy to X-ray dye: Let your doctor know if you have an allergy.
Aspirin: Take on the day of the procedure.
The hospital will call you the night before with final instructions.

During Your Procedure

Preparation:
- Your groin or wrist will be cleaned, depending on the approach. The wrist approach (radial) allows quicker recovery than the groin approach.
Sedation: You will receive mild sedation to keep you comfortable.
Insertion: The doctor will numb the area and insert a small tube called a catheter into the artery.
Imaging: X-rays are taken while dye is injected into your arteries. You might feel a warm sensation when the dye is injected.
Stent Placement: If a blockage is found, a stent may be placed to open the artery.
Completion: The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to stop bleeding.

After Your Procedure

Bed Rest: You will be on bed rest for up to 4 hours, depending on whether the groin or wrist approach was used.
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the dye from your system.
Monitoring: Your insertion site, blood pressure, and pulse will be closely monitored.

Going Home After Your Angiogram

Groin Care: The groin area may be sore or bruised for a few days. A small lump may form but should go away in a few weeks. Call your doctor if the lump gets bigger, red, or more painful.
Activity Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for 3 days to allow the insertion site to heal.
Medications:
- Your medications may change after the angiogram.
- If a stent was placed, you must take blood thinners (e.g., Plavix, Brilinta, Prasugrel), along with baby aspirin. Missing these medications can lead to serious complications like a heart attack.
Sexual Activity: If the groin was used, wait 5 days to allow the site to heal.

CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION AND CORONARY STENT

CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION AND CORONARY STENT PLACEMENT

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