OUTPATIENT CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY - SAFETY AND FEASIBILITY

The feasibility and safety of outpatient coronary angiography were stu died in 2,106 patients. Patients were discharged with a pressure dress ing 2 h after the angiographic study. No complications occurred in 99. 53% of all patients. Severe complications were seen in 10 patients (0. 47%). 9 patients (0.43%) had to be admitted to hospital, either for im mediate treatment (4 patients) or due to complications (5 patients). O ur results revealed a very low complication rate for outpatient corona ry angiography. The number and severity of complications following cor onary angiography did not differ significantly between inpatients and outpatients. Therefore, outpatient coronary angiography can be conside red as a safe and feasible diagnostic method which may help cut health care costs.