How is it Done?
Some medications are given to make a patient feel relaxed, but they remain awake. Patient will lie on a table that allows special x-rays to be taken of heart that enable the doctor to see while heart is in motion. A local anesthetic is given in the groin or in the wrist to numb the area and to prevent pain when the tube is inserted. The doctor will insert the tube through a small incision. The tube is pushed toward the heart through the blood vessels. X-rays are used to follow the position of the tube. Patient does not feel the tube as it passes through blood vessels. By twisting the hub (the groin/wrist end) of the tube, the doctor will direct the tip of the tube to precise positions in the heart and its blood vessels. The tube hub is attached to a device that measures blood flow and blood pressure in various locations in the heart and blood vessels. If a picture of the heart chambers, valves, or heart blood vessels is needed, a special dye is injected through the catheter. During this injection, moving x-ray pictures are recorded. The tube is then withdrawn and pressure applied over the puncture site until bleeding stops.

Angiography - Myth and Reality
Some people feel that Angiography is a costly and risky procedure. Some feel that it has to be followed by Angioplasty or Bypass. This is not necessarily true. It all depends on what one finds in the angiogram. One of the commonest reasons to do angiogram is when there is high index of suspicion for coronary artery disease after a positive TMT or highly suggestive symptoms. Only a normal angiogram can provide reassurance and mental peace rather than living under the shadow of a suspected CAD in such situations. Even if certain blockages are found, many arteries may have just a minor blockage (up to 50%), in which case, treatment through medicines alone may suffice. In some cases, it is likely that arteries may be severely and diffusely diseased that even angioplasty or bypass procedure may not be possible. It is only in the remaining cases that angioplasty or bypass is advised to restore blood flow to the heart.

There is a less than 1% risk of complications, like bleeding at the local site, allergic reaction to the contrast, or deterioration of renal function or cardiac condition. The latter risks are only in such cases where the blockage already exists in substantial measure.

• In the OPD doctor will evaluate you in detail and explain the procedure to you. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines or if you cannot tolerate aspirin. Also tell him/her about any other medicine that you are taking.
• All tests - blood, X-ray and ECG necessary for the Day Cath procedure will be carried out in the OPD prior to the date of admission.
• You will be normally admitted to the Institute on the day of the procedure.
• You are requested to deposit the money at IPD Billing Counter (information counter after normal working hours) located in the basement of the main building before your admission.
• Please do not eat anything at least four hours before the procedure on the day of angiography. You can have tea, or clear fluids up to one hour before admission. After that you may have sips of water only. First course of the medication can be taken with morning tea. If your angiography is scheduled in the afternoon, you may be asked to take light breakfast or a glass of fruit juice.