What is Angiography?

What is Angiography?

Table of Contents

• Why is Angiography Performed?

Angiography or arteriography, also known as angiography, a medical procedure, is a medical imaging method used to visualize blood vessels. It is commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular diseases.

The angiography procedure uses radiographic imaging in combination with an injection of a contrast medium. As the contrast material passes through the vessels, it makes them more prominent and allows for better imaging.

An angiogram usually starts with the insertion of a catheter into an artery or a venous structure. The catheter is then guided close to the target vessel and the contrast medium is injected. As the contrast material circulates through the vessels, images are obtained using an X-ray machine. These images are examined to identify narrowing, blockages, aneurysms or other abnormalities in the vessels.

Angiography is often used to visualize the vessels of the heart, also called coronary angiography or coronary artery angiography. It can also be used to examine vessels in the brain, kidneys, legs and other body parts. As well as helping to confirm the diagnosis of vascular diseases, angiography can also be used for therapeutic purposes in some cases, for example, stent placement to widen a narrowed vessel.

Because angiography is an invasive procedure, there are some risks, but these risks are generally low. With careful monitoring before and after the procedure, angioplasty is usually safe and effective. Angiography is an important tool for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, its necessity and benefits for each patient should be evaluated by the doctor.

Why is Angiography Performed?

Angiography is a medical procedure performed for the following reasons:

• Diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD): Coronary angiography is used to identify narrowing, blockages or abnormalities in the heart vessels (coronary arteries). People with chest pain (angina) who are at high risk of having a heart attack may undergo angiography to diagnose CAD.
• Heart attack treatment: In emergencies, angiography is used as an emergency treatment for patients who have had a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Angiography is performed to quickly open a blocked coronary artery. This may involve treatments such as stent placement in a narrowed or blocked artery or balloon angioplasty (widening the artery).
• Heart bypass surgery planning: Some patients with coronary artery disease may undergo angiography for evaluation before heart bypass surgery. Depending on the results of the angiogram, bypass surgery may be required or alternative treatment options may be considered.
• Evaluation of brain vessels: Brain angiography is used to detect aneurysms, blockages or other abnormalities in the brain vessels. Brain angiography may be performed in people who have had a stroke or are at risk of stroke.
• Evaluation of peripheral vascular diseases: People with blockages or narrowing of blood vessels in the legs or other extremities (arms, feet) undergo peripheral angiography. This procedure is used to assess the condition of the vessels, identify the blockage and plan treatment.
• Other conditions: Angiography can also be used to evaluate narrowing of the kidney vessels, to examine the pulmonary arteries, and for embolization (blockage of blood vessels) to treat certain types of cancer.