Kahan has been set up for providing world-class cardiac care in India. We have completed thousands of heart surgeries and angiographies, with one of the highest success rates in the world — over 99.83% in bypass surgeries and an overall 99.4% across cardiac surgeries.
Angiography is carried out by cardiologists in the catheterization laboratory. The procedure is done through the groin or wrist by inserting a catheter, which is passed through the artery up to the heart. The catheter cannulates the arteries supplying blood and oxygen to the heart (the coronary arteries). Radiographic contrast solution is injected through the catheter, which then flows along with the blood into the coronary artery. As the contrast flows down the artery, images are taken by a fluoroscopy machine (a form of x-ray). The image shows whether there is any obstruction (stenosis) in the coronary artery. The patient usually remains conscious and the procedure is done under local anesthesia.
If there is significant stenosis (more than 70 to 80%) and it is suitable for angioplasty, then after discussing with the patient and relatives, angioplasty is performed. Angioplasty is a procedure in which the stenosed part of the artery is dilated by a balloon and subsequently a metallic stent is placed there. The stent keeps the stenosed part open.
Angiography and angioplasty, although they may appear very simple, are actually complex cardiac procedures and a lot of experience is required for a successful outcome. At Kahan Cardiac our doctors are experienced and competent enough to perform these fine and complex procedures with effortless ease.
You will already receive information in your admission letter on how to prepare yourself for the procedure. Blood tests are done to assess your fitness for the procedure. The access sites (groin and wrist) are shaved and prepared for the angiography procedure. Our doctors will explain the procedure to you in detail and discuss any questions you may have, and will also ask you to sign a consent form giving permission for the angiogram. If you have any medical problems, make sure to inform the doctors.
Angiography and angioplasty complications are extremely rare. A detailed list of possible complications is provided in the consent form — please go through it in detail, and if you have any doubt, ask the doctor for clarification. An allergic reaction to the contrast solution is extremely unusual, but if you have any allergies, please remember to inform the radiologist before the procedure begins.
You can start eating and drinking normally after the procedure once you feel ready. The angiography procedure requires at least 6 hours of hospitalization post-procedure; however, for monitoring purposes, the patient is often kept admitted overnight. The angioplasty procedure requires ICU monitoring for 24 hours, followed by mobilization and monitoring in the ward for another 12 to 24 hours.
Talk to Dr. Hitesh J Shah and the Kahan Cardiac cardiac catheterization team.
