Your doctor has recommended that you have a Coronary CT (computed tomography) angiography (CTA) procedure. By choosing the heart program at Kaleida Health, you are accessing a network of highly skilled heart specialists who use the most advanced technology to bring you the best heart care. In fact, we care for more hearts than anyone else in Western New York, performing more than 75 percent of all heart procedures in the area, so you can be confident that you are in good hands.

What is Coronary CT Angiography?
Computed tomography is an excellent diagnostic tool that provides cross-sectional images of the heart using X-rays. During a CT scan, an X-ray beam moves in a circle around your body, creating multiple views for detailed, two and three-dimensional visualization of he heart’s arteries on a computer monitor. This procedure helps physicians detect if they are narrowed or clogged areas that can cause heart attack and stroke, and we are proud to be one of the first healthcare providers in Western New York to offer this cutting-edge technology.

Why is it recommended?
Non-invasive coronary CT angiography can be performed with greater speed, more comfort and without the expense of traditional coronary angiography. The images it creates of how your heart functions are very similar to those provided by more invasive heart catheterization, without the need to insert equipment into the body. Only an IV line and dye are required, so there is minimal risk and great benefits for you.

What can I expect?
No hospitalization is required for this procedure, but you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes, and the scan itself only lasts six seconds, but please plan to spend at least 1.5-2 hours at the appointment.

First, a nurse will start an IV in your arm and preliminary scans will be taken to help define the area to be imaged. Next, a small amount of contrast dye is injected into your bloodstream and cardiac monitoring leads will be attached to your chest. Once the dye is injected, you may feel warm or develop a metallic taste in your mouth. This is normal and will pass quickly. You may also be given medication to help lower your heart rate for the examination.

You’ll lie on a table that slides slowly into a large circular opening in the scanning machine, while the CT staff watches you from a window in the control area adjacent to the CT room. Speakers inside the scanner will allow staff to talk to you and hear you at all times.

The scanner will make a whirring sound as it begins to rotate around you. Low-dosage X-rays are absorbed by the body’s tissues, detected by the scanner and transmitted to the computer, which transforms the information into an image to be interpreted by the radiologist or cardiologist.

It is important that you remain very still during the procedure. You may be asked to wait a short time while the images are reviewed to determine if more are needed.

Before the Procedure

• Do not smoke for 24 hours prior to your scan
• Do not have any caffeine, or other foods or medications (e.g. chocolate, cola, coffee, tea, Excedrin or other stimulant medications) that will increase your heart rate for 12 hours prior to your scan
• Continue taking medications, as prescribed by your physician, unless otherwise instructed
• Withhold Viagra or similar medications for five days prior to exam
• Bring a current list of your medications and doses with you to the appointment
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting, metal-free clothing
• Electrodes will be placed on your chest for monitoring, so were a shirt that opens in the front or is easily removed; you may be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the scan
• You may be asked to remove eyeglasses or removable dental pieces
• Inform your doctor if you think there is a possibility that your are pregnant or if you are nursing