Invasive Coronary Angiography

How an Invasive Coronary Angiography Procedure is Done

The invasive diagnostic procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you stay awake, alert and comfortable.

1. Access point: Your specialist usually accesses the radial artery in your wrist through a small incision; the femoral artery in your leg is an alternative if needed.
2. Guidance: X-ray imaging is used to guide a thin, flexible tube (catheter) towards your heart carefully.
3. Imaging: A contrast dye is injected to produce clear pictures of your arteries.

What an ICA Can Tell You

What the angiogram tells you:

• The location of any narrowed or blocked arteries 
• If there is coronary artery disease
• How severe the disease is

Why this matters for your care:

• Helps your team choose the most effective treatment
• Provides essential information for planning procedures
• Ensures decisions are based on the most accurate imaging available

When to Get an Invasive Coronary Angiography

Although ICA is highly accurate, it is an invasive procedure. For that reason, it’s usually recommended when:

• You have symptoms or test results that strongly suggest obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).
• Your care team believes you may benefit from a treatment such as coronary revascularisation.
• Non-invasive tests (such as CT coronary angiography) indicate that blocked blood vessels are likely causing restricted blood supply. 

The Role of Non-Invasive Tests in Relation to ICA

Because ICA is an invasive procedure, doctors try to use it only when it’s really needed. Non-invasive tests, especially a CT coronary angiogram, help show who does and doesn’t need this particular test.

A CT scan is highly reliable at ruling out severe arterial heart conditions. Using CT coronary angiography as a “gatekeeper” helps ensure:

• You only undergo ICA when it’s genuinely required
• ICA is used efficiently and safely
• More patients receive the right test at the right time
• Fewer people have an invasive procedure that later turns out to be normal

When you book a private screening at The Keyhole Heart Clinic, our team will help determine which procedures are necessary. We’ll provide clear guidance from start to finish.       

Possible Complications of Coronary Angiography (Invasive)

Coronary angiography is generally a very safe procedure. There is a small risk of complications, and your team will monitor you closely throughout the procedure.

• Bleeding or bruising where the tube enters the artery: (0.43%).
• Allergic reaction to the special dye (contrast medium), (0.37%), often mild.
• Circulation problems or temporary changes in blood pressure (0.26%).
• Abnormal heart rhythms (0.38%), usually short-lived
• Kidney damage is rare, but it can occur in people with pre-existing kidney issues because of the contrast medium.
• Damage to the artery or heart wall (0.03%).

These are considered serious complications, but they are uncommon.

• Heart attack (0.05%)
• Stroke (0.07%)
• Death (0.11%)

Most people have the test without any problems, and it provides vital information about the blood supply to your heart and whether any areas are restricted.

Get in touch for more information on diagnostic and keyhole surgical procedures. 

Keyhole Heart Clinic: Early Detection for Early Intervention

Great heart care is about more than a single test; it’s understanding your unique heart health and tracking it over time. At The Keyhole Heart Clinic, you get a complete plan built around you:

• Consultant-led conversation about concerns  
• Expert testing 
• Ongoing support that evolves with your needs

Our clinic is led by heart specialist, Mr Inder Birdi, a leader in the field of keyhole heart surgery. Over the past 20 years, our team has helped develop non-invasive keyhole surgeries that offer quicker recovery times and better aesthetic outcomes.

Connect with one of the UK’s top cardiologists in London or through a Zoom call. We’ll discuss the best course of action for your case, including an invasive coronary angiography. 

Keyhole Heart Clinic: Early Detection for Early Intervention

Great heart care is about more than a single test; it’s understanding your unique heart health and tracking it over time. At The Keyhole Heart Clinic, you get a complete plan built around you:

• Consultant-led conversation about concerns  
• Expert testing 
• Ongoing support that evolves with your needs

Our clinic is led by heart specialist, Mr Inder Birdi, a leader in the field of keyhole heart surgery. Over the past 20 years, our team has helped develop non-invasive keyhole surgeries that offer quicker recovery times and better aesthetic outcomes.

Connect with one of the UK’s top cardiologists in London or through a Zoom call. We’ll discuss the best course of action for your case, including an invasive coronary angiography.