Interventional cardiology department
Delta Hospital
The arteries of the heart (coronary arteries) can be affected by atherosclerosis: fatty deposits build up on the inner walls of blood vessels, narrowing the passage of blood flow.
These narrowings can cause chest pain, known as angina pectoris, and may lead to a heart attack in the case of complete and sudden blockage.
It is therefore essential to obtain a very precise assessment of the coronary arteries. Coronary angiography is the most accurate examination for diagnosing the presence and extent of coronary artery disease.
Information
Tel. : 02/434 54 34
Everyday, from 8h30 till 12h30 and from 13h till 16h30.
e-mail : cardiologie.interventionnelle@chirec.be
Video
Interventional Cardiology - Interview with Dr M. El-Mourad
Practical information
If you are taking anticoagulant medication, consult your doctor: it must be stopped 48 to 72 hours before the procedure.
It may be temporarily replaced by subcutaneous anticoagulant injections.
During your hospital stay, some medications may be stopped or replaced. Any allergies must be reported, especially to iodine-based contrast agents.
Depending on your medical file, additional tests may be performed (such as chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound, blood tests, etc.).
- Your ID card
- Contact details of your general practitioner (address and phone number)
- A detailed list of your medications
- Previous coronary angiography reports or bypass surgery reports (if applicable)
- The completed consent form
You must not eat or drink after midnight, even if the procedure is scheduled in the afternoon.
You should still take your medications (except those stopped for the exam) with a small amount of water.
Upon admission, hair removal will be performed at the groin and wrist areas to prepare for the procedure. For hygiene reasons, it is recommended not to shave at home.
Coronary angiography is performed in a cardiac catheterization lab or an operating room specifically designed for this procedure.
The examination is carried out either via the wrist (radial access) or the groin (femoral access), depending on your anatomy and the operator’s decision.
Diagnostic coronary angiography
You will lie on an examination table.
The groin and wrist areas are disinfected, and a sterile surgical drape is placed.
The physician wears sterile operating room attire and a lead apron (for radiation protection). After local anesthesia, a thin tube (introducer) is inserted into the artery.
Through this introducer, a catheter is used to inject contrast dye, allowing the doctor to visualize the coronary arteries on a screen. The iodine-based contrast may briefly cause a warm sensation, metallic taste, or nausea.
The procedure lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes. You may occasionally feel palpitations.
At the end of the procedure, the catheters are removed and pressure is applied to the puncture site to prevent bleeding.
In some cases, and after discussion with the patient, angioplasty may be performed immediately.
Possible complications
Any medical procedure carries a small risk of complications:
- The most common is a hematoma (bruise), which may last a few days but is usually harmless
- An allergic reaction to the contrast agent may occur
- Serious complications are very rare
A balloon catheter is used to widen the narrowed artery, improving blood flow.
A stent is a small cylindrical metal mesh placed inside the coronary artery to keep it open. It prevents the artery from narrowing again after balloon dilation.
Some stents release medication locally to control the healing process of the artery.
Once placed, the stent remains stable. It does not rust (it is made of stainless material) and is not rejected by the body.
At the end of the procedure, the catheters are removed and pressure is applied to prevent bleeding or hematoma.
If small atherosclerotic plaques are detected, medical treatment combined with risk factor management (high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, excess weight, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet) will be recommended.
If significant narrowing is present, balloon angioplasty with stent placement is usually performed.
If the lesions are too extensive or not suitable for angioplasty, the medical team (in coordination with your cardiologist) may recommend coronary bypass surgery.
Most coronary interventions (angioplasty with stent placement) are performed immediately after the diagnostic procedure, during a short hospital stay in a specialized unit.
Possible complications (angioplasty)
During angioplasty, chest pain may occur. In rare cases, complications such as clot movement or arterial injury may require further angioplasty or bypass surgery.
After the examination
You will be able to eat and drink upon returning to your room.
- If the femoral artery was used: a pressure dressing is applied, and you must remain lying down without bending your leg for 4 to 6 hours
- If the radial artery was used: a compression band is applied for about 4 hours. You should avoid lifting anything with the arm for 24–48 hours. Driving (manual transmission) is not recommended for 24 hours to prevent bleeding at the puncture site.