Invasive diagnostic angiogram (Left heart Catheterisation)

Using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, your cardiologist can assess blood flow, measure pressures and inject dye to take pictures with X-rays within the heart and evaluate the condition of the coronary arteries. Cardiac catheterisation remains one of the most accurate methods for diagnosing many heart conditions and can also help guide further treatment decisions. Diagnostic angiograms can be done at Southampton Spire and are normally day-case procedures.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The procedure is performed in a specialist cardiac catheter laboratory (cath lab). This is a lead lined operating room with specialised x-ray equipment. Usually under local anaesthetic a small tube (sheath) is put into an artery, usually in the wrist but sometimes through the leg. Through this sheath tubes can be passed to the heart and placed in the origin of the arteries. Dye is then injected to take pictures of the arteries using X-ray imaging.

Contrast dye is injected to visualise the coronary arteries, heart chambers or blood vessels and pressures are measured to allowing your cardiologist to obtain highly detailed diagnostic information.

Occasionally tubes are put in the vein in the leg or arm so pressures on the right hand side of the heart can be measured in a test called a right heart catheter. This can be useful in diagnosing some cardiac conditions and is often done as a combined procedure with a left heart catheter.

Why Might I Need Cardiac Catheterisation?

Your cardiologist may recommend cardiac catheterisation to:

• Investigate chest pain or angina
• Assess suspected coronary artery disease
• Evaluate heart valve conditions
• Measure pressures within the heart
• Investigate unexplained shortness of breath
• Plan further treatments or interventions

Recovery and Results

Most cardiac catheterisation procedures are performed as day cases. Following a short period of monitoring, your cardiologist will discuss the findings and any recommended next steps.

You should not drive for 48 hours after an angiogram so will need someone to drive you home once you are ready for discharge.

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