Coronary Angiogram Consent 🫀

Consent guide for coronary angiogram. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

🔍 Procedure

Coronary angiogram – coronary artery imaging using iodine contrast via catheter (radial or femoral access).
May include IVUS, OCT or FFR during the same session.

Investigation of chest pain, suspected angina/ACS, or prior to cardiac surgery/intervention.
Evaluate symptoms not responsive to medical therapy.

Nil by mouth for specified hours pre-procedure.
Continue most meds with water unless instructed (e.g. stop blood thinners if advised).
Inform clinician of conditions: diabetes, hypertension, allergies (contrast, iodine, shellfish), renal impairment, pregnancy/breastfeeding, anticoagulants.

Local anaesthetic ± sedation; catheter inserted into radial or femoral artery.
Contrast and X‑ray imaging of coronary arteries. You may feel warm flushing.
Optional IVUS/OCT/FFR may be performed.
May proceed to angioplasty/stenting in same session if indicated.
Arterial puncture closed with pressure, band, or vascular closure device; recovery bed rest follows.

Common (>5%): bruising, bleeding, infection at puncture site; mild contrast reaction.
Uncommon (1–5%): arrhythmias needing treatment, arterial damage requiring surgical repair, acute kidney injury.
Rare (<1%): stroke, heart attack, severe contrast allergy, vessel rupture, radiation burns, acute nerve injury.
Very rare (<0.01%): death.

Will it hurt? — Local anaesthetic is used; sedation may be available.
Can I eat before? — Fast as instructed (usually 4–6 h prior).
Can I go home? — Usually day‑case unless complications or PCI performed; you must have someone to escort you.

Direct visualization of coronary arteries; identifies narrowing/blockages, guides PCI/surgery.

Renal impairment → check renal function, possible IV fluids, hold nephrotoxic drugs.
Allergy history (contrast, iodine, shellfish).
Consent to possible student involvement and/or audio/video recording.
Advance Health Directive / substitute decision‑maker procedures if lacking capacity.

"We’re recommending a coronary angiogram to investigate your heart symptoms using a catheter inserted into an artery to visualize your coronary vessels."
"It’s performed under local anaesthetic and usually sedation, and may include techniques like IVUS, OCT, or FFR."
"Risks include puncture-site bleeding, contrast reactions, arrhythmias, kidney effects, stroke or heart attack in rare cases."
"If indicated we may proceed with balloon angioplasty or stenting immediately."
"A trainee may assist during the procedure and images or video may be captured — is that okay?"
"Do you have any questions or concerns before consenting?"