First, when you arrive at our Heart Center for the procedure, you’ll first receive a numbing medication. After that, one of our health care team members will insert an IV into your arm or hand.  You’ll also have electrodes placed on your chest; these will record your heart rate. 

Then, we place a dye through the IV. This will enable the cardiologist to see your heart and its vessels.

Then, you’ll be placed on a long table that will slide through the opening of the CT scanner. Some people feel a little uncomfortable in closed spaces. If you do, just let us know. We’ll be happy to provide some medication that will help you relax. The CT scanner has an intercom system, which means you’ll be able to communicate with the technician.

The actual CT scan takes around 20 minutes, though it may take an hour or so for the images to fully be processed. However, the entire procedure—from preparation, to IV insertion and recovery—can take around three to four hours.

No. There may be a bit of discomfort when the IV is first inserted, but the scanning is painless. For those that may be uncomfortable in enclosed spaces, we can provide medication to help you relax.