Microsoft word - ct cardiac patient information sheet 2012_website

Medical Imaging Services St Vincent’s Hospital 390 Victoria street Darlinghurst NSW 2010 www.stvincents.com.au CT Coronary Angiogram is a study of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart which is performed using fast computed tomography (CT) scanners. This does not replace conventional cardiac catheterisation, and may not be suitable for al patients, but for most patients it can be done safely. PREPARATION On the day before and the day of the examination avoid any: Caffeinated drinks including coffee, tea, energy drinks or caffeinated soda (eg Coke, Pepsi) Take your Beta blocker medication as directed (If prescribed by your doctor for the CT scan) Also, you must not eat for 4 hours prior to your scan. Continue taking your regular medicines as usual. If you are diabetic, and take METFORMIN, stop taking this drug on the day of the scan for 48 hours. Please al ow about 2 hours for the study to be done. If you have a Pacemaker, it may need to be temporarily adjusted for the duration of the scan. Please have manufacturer’s or technician’s contact details handy, or organise in advance for them to attend the scan. Your referring Doctor may give you a script for Beta blocker medication to be taken to slow down the heart rate before the procedure. EXAMINATION Please arrive 1 hour prior to your scan. Proceed to Day Procedure Centre Level 5 and fol ow the signs to Medical Imaging CT Level 5, cubicle 3. Bring the completed Patient Questionnaire on the following page. Your heart rate and blood pressure wil be monitored over the next 30-60 minutes or until the desired heart rate for the examination is reached. You may be given Beta blocker medication to help reach desired heart rate. If you have a pacemaker, it may need to be temporarily adjusted for the scan. A needle is placed into a vein in your arm (similar to a blood test), so we can administer a smal amount of contrast media (x-ray dye). At this time, blood wil be taken to check cholesterol, renal function and blood sugar levels. While you are on the CT table, ECG (heart) leads are connected to your chest to monitor the heart. You may also be given a spray or tablet in your mouth, which dilates the blood vessels of the heart. Occasional y, this can produce a mild headache, which wil quickly wear off POST PROCEDURE If Beta-blocker was given for the examination it can make some people feel dizzy or faint so please al ow for post-procedure care and monitoring for a short period of time after the completion of the examination. The effects of Beta-blockers should wear off after half a day, but please consider organising someone-else to provide transport home from hospital, especial y if you live far away. Eat and drink, as normal. Please contact 8382 1111 and ask to page Medical Imaging Level 5 registrar rostered or on cal if you have any concerns regarding the procedure you have just had. CONTACTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Bookings: Medical Imaging, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney Phone: 02 8382 3495 Fax: 02 8382 2142 A/Prof Lourens Bester (Director, Diagnostic Services) Prof Michael Feneley (Director, Cardiology) Patient Information Sheet Revised: Ferbruary 2012 Medical Imaging Services St Vincent’s Hospital 390 Victoria street Darlinghurst NSW 2010 www.stvincents.com.au Is there any chance you could be pregnant? Have you ever had x-ray dye/contrast before? (eg for coronary angiogram, IVP, CT scan) Have you ever had a reaction to x-ray dye/contrast? Please list ALL medications you are currently taking: I have read and understood the information given above. I have no further questions. I wish to proceed with the contrast injection. Signed:______________________________________ Date: ______________________ Patient Information Sheet Revised: Ferbruary 2012

Source: http://exwwwsvh.stvincents.com.au/assets/files/pdf/C/Imaging/CARDIAC%20CT%20Patient%20Info%20Sheet_Feb2012a.pdf