Prof Neil Ruparelia | Cardiac CT

Why do I need a CT?

Prof Ruparelia will suggest proceeding to a CT coronary angiogram if there is some concern that there may be a narrowing or a blockage of a coronary artery accounting for your symptoms (CT coronary angiogram).

Prof Ruparelia may also suggest a CT scan for patients being considered for a structural intervention - specifically for procedural planning for TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation), PVL (paravalvular leak closure) or LAAO (left atrial appendage occlusion).
What is involved?

You will be asked to attend for the CT scan at pre-specified time. You do not need to fast prior to the test. A small cannula is inserted into a vein in the arm through which contrast can be administered. If your heart rate is fast, often beta-blockers are administered to slow this down so that optimal images can be obtained.

You will then be asked to lie down on a table in the CT scanning room and following injection of the contrast, you will be asked to hold your breath for a couple of seconds and keep still during which pictures are taken of the coronary arteries of the heart.

If beta-blockers have been administered you will be observed for a few minutes after the study before being allowed to go home.
What are the risks?

A CT coronary angiogram is very safe with a very small risk (<0.01%) of an adverse reaction to the contrast administered. This can be managed at the time in the rare event of occurrence.
When do I get my results?

Following your CT scan, the images are reported by a specialist radiologist and the results are usually available within 24-48 hours. Prof Ruparelia will arrange a time to meet you to discuss the results and formulate an ongoing management plan.