Question 1

WHAT IS A COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY CORONARY ANGIOGRAM (CTCA)?

Accepted Answer

CTCA uses computed tomography (CT) scanning to take images of the coronary arteries of your beating heart. These arteries supply blood to the heart muscle, and disease of these vessels known as atherosclerosis.

Contrast agents are injected into a vein to highlight the coronary arteries while the scan is being acquired to allow the blood vessels to be clearly visible on the CT angiogram.

Question 2

OUR MACHINES

Accepted Answer

SOMATOM Drive’s Dual Source CT technology achieves precise dose and superfast scanning, appropriate to each patient’s needs regardless of age, size or weight. The unique Dual Source gantry and high-pitch table introduce precise CT imaging at unprecedented acquisition speed and temporal resolution. With the Stellar Infinity Detectors with integrated iterative reconstruction, SOMATOM Drive is driving a new level of integration of software and hardware.

Question 3

PREPARATION

Accepted Answer

Please bring your referral, Medicare and Pension Health Care Cards with any previous imaging relating to the region being scanned. 
Do not take Viagra or Levitra for 72 hours prior or Cialis for a week prior to your test. Please also bring a list of your medications and other cardiac-related examination results. Continue all usual medications. It is advisable that you do not have any tea (including herbal teas), coffee, cola or other stimulants 24 hours before the procedure as these contain caffeine, which can raise your heart rate.

CT images are clearer if your heart rate is low and steady. You might be given medications before the test to slow down your heart rate.

It is important that you advise the radiology facility staff when you make the appointment if you have asthma, diabetes, any kidney problems, irregular heart rhythm or have in the past had an allergy to CT contrast agents.

It is advised patients come to the appointment with a companion who can drive them home. Even though you might have to stay after the procedure until the effects of medication used to lower the heart rate have worn off, you could still feel a little light headed walking or driving.

Question 4

CTCA Medication Preparation

Accepted Answer

At Heartscan Australia we aim to have your heart rate ≤ 60 beats per minute for the best possible scan.
Please allow up to 2 hours for additional medication, to help reduce your heart rate.
1.  PRE MEDICATION: – Aim: HR around or below 60 beats per minute
 • Metoprolol 50-100 mg night before and half an hour prior to CTCA prescribed by referrer   OR
 • Chronic beta blocker / calcium channel therapy to heart rate ≤ 60 bpm
2. Other Preparation
 • Take ALL normal morning medications except Metformin
 • Fast from food for 3 hours if possible prior to CTCA. Drink water to keep hydrated.
 • No caffeine/coffee/tea/energy drinks for 24 hours prior to CTCA
 • No Cialis, Viagra, Levitra, or similar for 36 hours prior to CTCA.

Question 5

CT Intravenous Contrast and Consent

Accepted Answer

his information is for patients of Heartscan Australia who intend to undergo a CT scan. This test has been requested by your referring doctor and involves an injection of a dye known as intravenous (IV) contrast.
Patients will need to read the following important information about CT Intravenous Contrast.
Heartscan IV Contrast Information and Consent(http://heartscanaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Heartscan-IV-Contrast-Information-and-Consent.pdf)

Question 6

SCANNING

Accepted Answer

When you arrive, you will be asked to fill in a form asking you questions about your history and any allergies. We will then check your blood pressure and heart rate and if your heart rate is above 65 beats per minute, you may be given medications named Beta Blockers to slow your heart just for the scan. Beta Blockers slow down your heart rate to allow the machine sufficient time to capture still, clear images of your coronary arteries. You may be given to Beta Blockers as oral medication or IV medication within your cannula.

You will be given a gown to wear, and the radiographer will explain to you what will happen during the scan including the explanation of the intravenous contrast injection which will make you feel warm when it is injected and may give you a metallic taste in the back of your mouth. After consenting, the radiographer will insert a cannula into a vein to administer the contrast once you are on the CT imaging table.

Once on the table you will be administered a spray of Nitrolingual, a medication used to dilate your coronary arteries to allow better interpretation of the lumen/wall of the arteries. You will be asked to follow some breathing instructions to ensure that there is no movement during the scan. The table will move in and out of the CT machine as images are acquired.

After the scan has been completed, the cannula will be removed, and you can go home and resume all your normal activities including eating and drinking.

The results will be reported by two specialists, a radiologist and a cardiologist and sent to your referring doctor for review. If there is anything urgent, your doctor will be contacted on the same day.

Question 7

RESULTS

Accepted Answer

After your examination, the images from your study will be available on the Medscan Z-tech app. A report written by our radiologists, along with the images will be sent directly to your referring doctor. Medscan will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.  All images are available online with the Medscan Z-link app()

CTCA (COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY CORONARY ANGIOGRAM)

CTCA
(COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY CORONARY ANGIOGRAM)