Category Archives: Cardiac

What to bring

• Medicare card, private health fund cards and any other concession cards
• All current medication in its original packaging

Pre-procedure

• You will be required to fast for 4-6 hours prior to procedure

• Continue to take all of your prescribed medications unless instructed by your Cardiologist otherwise

Procedure

• While waiting for the procedure, medications may be required to slow down the heart to ensure optimal image quality. Ideally, images should only be taken when heart rates occur between 55-65 beats per minute.
• Lying on a narrow table, you will be moved into the scanner during testing
• An intravenous line will be inserted to enable contrast dye and medicines to be given during testing
• When the contrast dye is injected and x-rays taken, you may feel a hot sensation, which subsides quickly after a minute.
• A standard procedure CT coronary angiogram takes roughly about 20 minutes. The waiting time prior to the CT coronary angiogram is dependent upon In most circumstances you will be discharged between two to four hours after procedure.
• In time, x-ray dye passes through the kidneys and is excreted in your urine.

Results

Your specialist will advise on results at time of procedure.

Discharge

If medications are required to reduce your heart rate for the purpose of the scan, it is recommended you do not drive in the subsequent 12 hours. For this reason, it is best that you are accompanied by someone who can bring you home.

Risks

Although serious problems are rare, as with any medical procedure there are always some risks involved. Every effort is made to minimise your risk, though should complications arising from you procedure occur, emergency equipment is readily available. One such risk includes an allergic reaction from the contrast dye, – please inform your Cardiologist if you have had any previous reaction to contrast mediums.

For any patient enquiries please speak to your specialist or contact MCDC by calling us on (03) 9802 9250 or contacting us via our online form.

What to bring

• Medicare card, private health fund cards and any other concession cards
• All current medication in its original packaging
• * For all procedures requiring overnight stays, please ensure you bring with you night attire, including dressing gown, non-slip slippers and toiletries.

Pre-procedure

• You will be required to fast for 6 hours prior to procedure

• Continue to take all of your prescribed medications unless instructed by your Cardiologist otherwise

Procedure

• Coronary angiography is performed in a special ‘Cath-labs’, which are usually undertaken in the Monash Medical Centre, Jessie McPherson or Valley Private Hospital
• Lying on a narrow table, you will be moved from side to side during testing
• An intravenous line may be inserted to enable medicines to be given during testing
• Local anaesthetic is injected into the point where the catheter is introduced, typically in the wrist, groin or arm.
• The Catheter moves through the aorta to the coronary arteries in the heart
• With the catheter in place, contrast dye is injected and x-rays taken, as the dye moves through the coronary arteries.*
• Relevant catheters will be replace to study various arteries.
• Upon completion of procedure, the catheter will be removed and you will be transferred to the ward or recovery area
• A standard procedure coronary angiogram takes roughly about 30-40 minutes. In most circumstances you will be discharged between four to six hours after procedure.
• * Some symptoms of injecting dye include nausea or chest discomfort. These symptoms are common and subside quickly.
• ^ In time, x-ray dye passes through the kidneys and is excreted in your urine.

Results

Your specialist will advise on results at time of procedure.

Discharge

Patients undergoing this procedure may be required to stay overnight with discharge being the following day.

* It is important to discuss with your Cardiologist instructions for dressing removal and wound care. Once the dressing(s) has been removed it will require little care. Keep clean and dry and avoid using powder. Check wound daily and report any possible signs of infection to your Cardiologist promptly.

• Your cardiologist will discuss a time for a follow up appointment (usually within a week or two)
• You will be discharged with the appropriate medications
• ^ Please discuss any limitations or restrictions directly following your procedure and any medication changes with your Cardiologist

Depending on your procedure, time and recovery you will be discharged the same day or early the next morning provided you’re accompanied by an consenting adult. Your cardiologist will arrange a follow up appointment prior to discharge.

For 24 hours following procedure, it is recommended you do not;

• Drive a vehicle
• Travel on public transport
• Drink Alcohol
• Sign important documents
• Use heavy machinery

Risks

Although serious problems are rare, as with any medical procedure there are always some risks involved. Every effort is made to minimise your risk, though should complications arising from you procedure occur, emergency equipment is readily available.

Exact risks vary from patient to patient, however, some symptoms that may occur include;

Haematoma (Bruising and swelling)

It is usual for most patients to have bruising and tenderness at and around the catheters insertion point for a few days following procedure.

Infection

Infection is rare, however if infection does occur it is usually contained to the area of skin overlying the catheter insertion point. Any infection will be treated with the appropriate antibiotic.

Allergic reaction to dye

A dye, or ‘Contrast’ is used to enable the coronary arteries to be seen using x-ray. Minor reactions can result in hives and rare occasions where a dramatic fall in blood pressure is evident, shock. Risk to patients with no previous reaction to contrast dyes extremely low. Inform your Cardiologist if you have had any previous reaction to contrast mediums.

Acute Closure or rupture of coronary artery

In rare cases, coronary angioplasty can cause the artery to become completely blocked or rupture. In this situation an emergency coronary artery bypass operation would be performed.

Heart Attack

In extreme cases, patients may endure cardiac arrest during this procedure. Rest assured your Cardiologist is well prepared to deal with this situation.

What to bring

• Medicare card, private health fund cards and any other concession cards
• All current medication in its original packaging
• * For all procedures requiring overnight stays, please ensure you bring with you night attire, including dressing gown, non-slip slippers and toiletries.

Pre-procedure

• You will be required to fast for 6 hours prior to procedure

• Continue to take all of your prescribed medications unless instructed by your Cardiologist otherwise

Procedure

1. Testing

• Coronary angioplasty is performed in a special ‘Cath-labs’, which are usually undertaken in the Monash Medical Centre, Jessie McPherson Private Hospital or Valley Private Hospital.

• Lying on a narrow table, you will be moved from side to side during testing

• An intravenous line may be inserted to enable medicines to be given during testing

• Local anaesthetic is injected into the point where the catheter is introduced, typically in the wrist or else in the groin or arm.

• The Catheter moves through the aorta to the coronary arteries in the heart

• With the catheter in place, contrast dye is injected and x-rays taken, as the dye moves through the coronary arteries.*

• Relevant catheters will be replace to study various arteries.

  * Some symptoms of injecting dye include nausea or chest discomfort. These symptoms are common and subside quickly

  ^ In time, x-ray dye passes through the kidneys and is excreted in your urine.

2. Angioplasty + Stent

• Angioplasty is performed by inserting a tiny balloon, via the catheter into the narrowed artery, stretching and widening it to improve blood flow
• If upon deflation, blockage reoccurs, your specialist may be inclined to insert one or more stents
• Upon completion of procedure, the catheter will be removed and you will be transferred to the ward or recovery area

Results

Your specialist will advise on results at time of procedure.

Discharge

Patients undergoing the coronary angioplasty procedure will be required to stay overnight with discharge being the following day.

• Your cardiologist will discuss a time for a follow up appointment (usually within a week or two)
• You will be discharged with the appropriate medications
• ^ Please discuss any limitations or restrictions directly following your procedure and any medication changes with your Cardiologist

Depending on your procedure, time and recovery you will be discharged the same day or early the next morning provided you’re accompanied by an consenting adult. Your cardiologist will arrange a follow up appointment prior to discharge.

For 24 hours following procedure, it is recommended you do not;

• Drive a vehicle
• Travel on public transport
• Drink Alcohol
• Sign important documents
• Use heavy machinery

Risks

Although serious problems are rare, as with any medical procedure there are always some risks involved. Every effort is made to minimise your risk, though should complications arising from you procedure occur, emergency equipment is readily available.

Exact risks vary from patient to patient, however, some symptoms that may occur include;

Haematoma (Bruising and swelling)

It is usual for most patients to have bruising and tenderness at and around the catheters insertion point for a few days following procedure.

Infection

Infection is rare, however if infection does occur it is usually contained to the area of skin overlying the catheter insertion point. Any infection will be treated with the appropriate antibiotic.

Allergic reaction to dye

A dye, or ‘Contrast’ is used to enable the coronary arteries to be seen using x-ray. Minor reactions can result in hives and rare occasions where a dramatic fall in blood pressure is evident, shock. Risk to patients with no previous reaction to contrast dyes extremely low. Inform your Cardiologist if you have had any previous reaction to contrast mediums.

Acute Closure or rupture of coronary artery

In rare cases, coronary angioplasty can cause the artery to become completely blocked or rupture. In this situation an emergency coronary artery bypass operation would be performed.

Heart Attack

In extreme cases, patients may endure cardiac arrest during this procedure. Rest assured your Cardiologist is well prepared to deal with this situation.

What to bring

• Request form

• Any concession cards including Medicare and private heath fund cards

• All current medication in its original packaging

Pre-procedure

• A bath or shower the morning of the appointment is advised as you will be unable to do so for 24 hours
• Wear trousers/skirt and short, wide sleeve shirt

Procedure

• You will be wearing a small recorder (about the size of a cigarette lighter) either on a strap around your waist or over your shoulder
• The recorder wraps around your arm, similar to having your blood pressure checked
• The recorder is programmed to check blood pressure every 15 minutes until 11pm, then it will turn off for 2 hours, recommence at 1am and then check every hour until the device is removed
• DO NOT get monitor wet (i.e., no swimming or showering) NOR use an electric blanket or magnetic underlay

Results

Please allow three working days for results to be recorded before making a follow up appointment with the referring doctor. Please notify the technician if you have an appointment within three days following procedure. A cardiologist will complete the report.

What to bring

• A current referral from your GP or specialist
• Medicare card, private health fund cards and any other concession cards
• N.B. Full payment will be required on the day of appointment
• Wear a loose-fitting shirt or top as the technician will need access to the chest area

Pre-procedure

• A bath or shower the morning of the appointment is advised as you will be unable to do so for 24 hours
• No other preparation is required

Procedure

• The holter monitor will either be hung loosely around your neck by a strap or clipped onto your waistband and electrodes stuck to areas of your chest
• During the recording you will need to list your symptoms, the time they occur and what you were doing at the time on the diary sheet provided
• Patients are able to carry out normal daily activities
• DO NOT get monitor wet (i.e., no swimming or showering) NOR use an electric blanket or magnetic underlay

Results

Please allow three working days for results to be recorded before making a follow up appointment with the referring doctor. Please notify the technician if you have an appointment within three days following procedure. A cardiologist will complete the report.

What to bring

• Any concession cards including Medicare and private heath fund cards
• All current medication in its original packaging

Pre-procedure

Ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes and shorts or pants

Procedure

• ECG dots and leads will be attached to your chest to monitor your heart rate
• Ultrasound images will be taken of your heart with the Echocardiograph (Echo) machine while lying on your side prior to exercise
• After the resting images are taken you will proceed to the Exercise Stress Test part of the test and be required to walk on a treadmill.
  * This procedure is the same as for other Exercise Stress Tests
• Once heart rate has reaches an acceptable level the treadmill is stopped
• Return to the scanning bed for post exercise imaging
• The whole procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes

Results

The stress echocardiogram is reported by a cardiologist and the report is dispatched to the referring doctor on the next business day to when the procedure was done.

What to bring

• Any concession cards including Medicare and private heath fund cards
• All current medication in its original packaging

Pre-procedure

No special preparation is needed to undertake this procedure.

Procedure

• Sticky dots and gel are applied in several locations across the patients chest to record heart rhythm and images from different angles

• A standard procedure echocardiogram takes roughly about 1 hour

Results

Your specialist will advise on results at time of procedure.

Post-procedure Care

Your cardiologist will discuss a time for a follow up appointment (usually within a week or two).

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes and shorts or pants
• Any concession cards including Medicare and private heath fund cards
• All current medication in its original packaging

Pre-procedure

No special preparation is needed to undertake this procedure.

Procedure

• ECG dots and leads are attached to patients chest to monitor heart rate

• Electrocardiogram images are taken whilst lying on side

• Patient proceeds to Exercise Stress Test after resting images procured

• Patient commences stress testing, walking on treadmill until optimum heart rate is achieved advised to stop

• Patient returns to procedural bed to record after-exercise imaging

• A standard procedure excercise stress test takes roughly about 1 hour

Results

A Cardiologist will report to referring doctor within two days.

Risks

Although serious problems are rare, as with any medical procedure there are always some risks involved. Every effort is made to minimise your risk, though should complications arising from you procedure occur, emergency equipment is readily available.

If you have a heart condition, serious potential complications could include an abnormality of heart rhythm, prolonged angina (heart pain), heart attack and a very small risk of death.

Exact risks vary from patient to patient, however, some symptoms that may occur include;

Haematoma (Bruising and swelling)

It is usual for most patients to have bruising and tenderness at and around the catheters insertion point for a few days following procedure.

Infection

Infection is rare, however if infection does occur it is usually contained to the area of skin overlying the catheter insertion point. Any infection will be treated with the appropriate antibiotic.

Allergic reaction to dye

A dye, or ‘Contrast’ is used to enable the coronary arteries to be seen using x-ray. Minor reactions can result in hives and rare occasions where a dramatic fall in blood pressure is evident, shock. Risk to patients with no previous reaction to contrast dyes extremely low. Inform your Cardiologist if you have had any previous reaction to contrast mediums.

Acute Closure or rupture of coronary artery

In rare cases, coronary angioplasty can cause the artery to become completely blocked or rupture. In this situation an emergency coronary artery bypass operation would be performed.

Heart Attack

In extreme cases, patients may endure cardiac arrest during this procedure. Rest assured your Cardiologist is well prepared to deal with this situation.

What to bring

• Request form for procedure
• Any concession cards including Medicare and private heath fund cards
• All current medication in its original packaging

Pre-procedure

No special preparation is needed to undertake this procedure.

Procedure

• ECG dots and leads are applied to chest, wrists and ankles
• Data readings are input into the computer, while the patient remains still for up to 10 seconds

Results

The electrocardiogram is reported by a cardiologist and the report is dispatched to the referring doctor on the next business day to when the procedure was done.

Discharge

Patients undergoing ECG are only required until the recording has been sighted by a cardiologist.