Angiography

A coronary angiogram is a special x-ray of the heart’s arteries in order to show if the are narrowed or blocked. The test involves the insertion of a long thin catheter iinto an artery in the groin or wrist under local anaesthetic. The catheter is moved up the inside of the artery until it reaches the heart. When the catheter is in place, a small amount of dye will be injected into it. X-rays will be take as the dye travels through the coronary arteries. An angiogram is performed as an in-patient and generally involves 1 night stay in hospital.

EP (electrophysiology ) study

An EP study looks at how well the heart’s ‘electrical circuit’ works. It can also identify arrythmias (irrregular heartbeats) The EP study takes place in Hospital in the  Cardiac Catheter lab and the patient will be awake throughout the test, but will be given mediation to help them relax. A catheter is inserted into the groin area and gently passed through veins guided by x-ray, until they reach the heart. The doctor then uses electrical impulses to make the heartbeat at different speeds and the heart rate is recorded.

CTCA (CT Coronary Angiogram)

CTCA uses CT scanning to take images of the coronary arteries. Contrast is used to increase the density of blood which allows the blood vessels to be clearly visible on the CT angiogram images. Medication to slow the heart rate may be given to make the images clearer. In addition CT Calcium Score is performed. CT calcium score is beneficial for patients without symptoms who are concerned about the future risk of having an Acute Myocardial Infarction.

The Victorian Heart and Lung Clinic Cardiologists are happy to offer this service at Leongatha Hospital in collaboration with Gippsland Southen Health Service. 

Pacemaker/ Loop Recorder / ICD ( Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) Insertion

PACEMAKER
A pacemaker is an electronic device that consists of a battery and connecting wires that are attavhed to the heart to help restore its electrical signal. The Pacemake sits under the skin on the left or right side of the upper chest and sends electrical signals to the heart to keep it pumping at a normal rate. 

LOOP RECORDER
A loop recorder is a small electrical device that is able to continously record the heart activity. It is often used to help find a cause for recurrent, unexplained syncope (fainting/sudden loss of consciuosness) when heart rhythm cause is suspected but other simple tests have been normal. It can also be uses to monitor heart rhythm post atrial fibrillation ablation procedures.

ICD 
An ICD is a small battery powered device which is implated under the skin of the upper chest. An ICD detects and stops irregular heart beats (arrhythmias) by continuosly checking the heart beat and using electrical  signals when required to restore a regular heart rhythm.