Description

What is Angiography?

Angiography, also known as arteriography, is a medical imaging technique used to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs, particularly arteries, veins, and heart chambers. It involves injecting a contrast dye into the bloodstream and taking X-ray images to detect blockages, abnormalities, or other issues in the blood vessels.

Familiarity with Treatment

Angiography is a well-established diagnostic procedure commonly used in cardiology, neurology, and vascular medicine. It helps in diagnosing conditions like coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, aneurysms, and blood clots.

Procedure

1. Preparation: Patients may need to fast for several hours before the procedure. Blood tests are often done to check kidney function and blood clotting.
2. During the Procedure:
   • The patient lies on an examination table.
   • A local anesthetic is applied to the insertion site (usually the groin or arm).
   • A catheter is inserted into the blood vessel and guided to the area of interest.
   • Contrast dye is injected through the catheter.
   • X-ray images are taken to visualize blood flow and detect any blockages or abnormalities.
3. Post-Procedure: The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. The patient is monitored for a few hours before being discharged.

Who is it Suitable For?

Angiography is suitable for individuals with symptoms or conditions such as:

• Chest pain or angina
• Suspected coronary artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Aneurysms
• Blood clots
• Unexplained stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)

Who is it Not Suitable For?

Angiography may not be suitable for individuals with:

• Severe kidney disease (due to the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy)
• Severe allergic reactions to contrast dye
• Uncontrolled bleeding disorders
• Pregnancy (due to radiation exposure)

Advantages

• Accurate Diagnosis: Provides detailed images of blood vessels, helping in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Minimally Invasive: Less invasive compared to surgical procedures.
• Quick Recovery: Most patients can go home the same day.

Complications

While generally safe, angiography can have some risks, including:

• Allergic reactions to the contrast dye
• Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site
• Infection
• Kidney damage (especially in patients with pre-existing kidney conditions)
• Rarely, stroke or heart attack

Previous Care

• Medication Management: Patients may need to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
• Fasting: No eating or drinking after midnight before the procedure.

Aftercare

• Monitoring: Patients are monitored for a few hours post-procedure for any immediate complications.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids to help flush out the contrast dye from the body.
• Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities for a few days to allow the insertion site to heal.