What is a CT Coronary Angiography (Dual-Source)?

CT Coronary Angiography (Dual-Source) is a non-invasive way to detect blockages in or narrowing of the coronary arteries. CT Coronary Angiogram (Dual-Source) uses a specialised CT scanner to take 3D images of the heart and view the arteries. This method is an easy, painless and accurate alternative to coronary angiography which requires local anaesthetic and a minor invasive procedure. In some cases beta-blocking drugs may need to be given for improving the quality of the scan.

How do I know if I need the test?

If you have had chest pain or angina, or previous cardiac events or are at high risk of developing heart disease, you may benefit from this test. In addition patients who have had cardiac by-pass surgery or previous angioplasty (or stent) can use CT Coronary Angiogram (Dual-Source) as a follow-up scan. Please speak to our Medical Team or your doctor for further advice.

How do I prepare for the test?

Patients with diabetes or asthma have to inform the Heart-Scan Medical Team at least a day prior to the test. Those with know allergies to seafood and iodine must also inform the Medical Team.

What will happen during the test?

You will change into a gown and an intravenous cannula will be inserted into a forearm vein to facilitate the inject of the contrast media. You will be taken into the scanning room and asked to lie down on the scanning bed. The actual ‘scan time’ is between 10-15 seconds! The whole process takes about 20-30 minutes.

What will the test result tell me?

Our doctors will be able to tell you the result during the investigation so that if a follow-up procedure is required such as coronary stenting, it can be carried out at the same time.  In any case the scan will show up blockages in or narrowing of the coronary arteries.

What happens next?

Depending on what the angiogram reveals our doctors may recommend treatments such as medication, a catheter-based procedure (e.g. balloon angioplasty, coronary stenting) or surgery (e.g. bypass surgery).
 

What is the Heart-Scan advantage?

- Improved detection of coronary disease

- Reduced requirement for beta-blocking drugs

- Reduced radiation dose

- Improved diagnostic quality