Angiogram and stent

[Jils]

I have been told that I need to have an angiogram and a stent fitted. Are these done one after the other or on two separate occasions? Does anyone know the routine that Papworth follows?

Also, how long did you wait... And any idea how much it is to be done privately? Roughly. Don't really agree with private but personal circumstances means I may not have a choice.

Thanks X

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Hi Jils. Welcome!

My experience is that the angio and stent are most usually done together.

Once they’re in there........

Secondly, I’ve had angiograms pretty swiftly, but if you have to wait, it’s mostly because you’re not so urgent. But we all know that demand this winter is pushing up the waits a bit longer for most things,

Our local hospital has a pretty small Cath lab, so I’ve chosen to go to a much larger unit. This has reduced delays.

I know I’ve seen the rough costs of an angio posted here, so I hope someone else will come along with that inf for you.

I hope it all goes well..

[Prada47]

Hi Jills

I think the answer to your Question is, It could be either Angiogram then Stent or Together. How do you know you need Stents ??

Personally I would rather have it done in a Large NHS Hospital, Consultant is probably same one in either Private sector or National Health !!

Regards

[Jils in reply to Prada47]

Many thanks to both answers. I have been told by my consultant that I need an angiogram and a stent. So, was wondering if they're done together... You know what it's like.. You come out with a head full of questions 😂

[NorthantsSteve]

I had my angio and stent done at the same time. The angio was to see if the stent was needed and to see where and how much the blockage was. It’s all the same equipment so the stenting just makes the process a little longer. At Oxford (where I had mine) we were prepped on beds in a ward and then taken through to the cath lab. It didn’t take very long but hospital transport messed up (now that did road test my new heart and blood pressure) and I had to spend an extra night in hospital. I’d go for a large NHS hospital who do hundreds in a month and have resources in place just in case something goes wrong.

[Jils]

Thank you so much for that. It has really explained it and eased my fears. I hope that you are feeling much better x

[NorthantsSteve in reply to Jils]

Hi Jils. It was over 3 years ago now. Feeling really good now. Lost a few pounds (not very overweight in the first place) eat better, exercise more, have a better attitude to work. So all is good. It’s really nothing to be worried about unduly. They’ll give you a sedative and you can ask for more! I did - but it was too late so I missed out on the second G&T!

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hi Jils

You have had some really good advice already.

One of the most important is to go to a larger heart centre where they have lots of experience doing the procedure and know how to manage any problems.

[Jils]

Thank you x

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello Jils. You say you are having an angiogram and a stent. I was wondering how this was diagnosed as the angiogram usually determines the number and placement of stents. When I had an angiogram they determined I had four blocked arteries and said they would probably insert stents in a month's time. However, after further tests (including a CT scan) and a peer review it was decided a quadruple bypass was more appropriate.

[Jils]

Hi.. Had an echo which showed my heart to be enlarged. Then a stress perfusion which shows a significant blockage. Consequently the consultant says I need a stent and angiogram. He said it was a difficult one to find! X

[mrgrumppy]

Hi I had angiogram and two stents fitted last week and have to go back In January to have a further three fitted... I was seen within 10 days from seeing my consultant as I was having bad breathless episodes..... They do the angiogram frist and take images and then they do the stents straight afterwards... They will also fit you with a band over the insert site which they will take small amounts of air out at a time which takes about 2/3 hours then you are normally discharged the same day

[Jils in reply to mrgrumppy]

Thank you for that. 10 days is good! You haven't got to wait too long for the next lot either.

I do appreciate you explaining the procedure. Really helps me to know what to expect.

I hope this gives you a new lease of life x