Angiography

Angiography

Angiography is a type of diagnostic imaging done to visualize blood vessels in various body parts, such as the brain or heart. It is most commonly used to diagnose blockages or narrowing of blood vessels which may impede the normal flow of blood. In more recent years, angiography has been used by vascular surgeons to assist in minimally invasive surgical procedures of blood vessels or arteries of the heart.

During an angiography procedure contrast dye is injected into the area of interest via a catheter. The catheter is a long plastic tube no thicker than a strand of spaghetti. The contrast dye is captured by x-rays and picked up by a TV camera, then sent to a monitor for viewing. Generally, the patient is given a mild dose of sedative through an IV line to help them relax and relieve any anxiety associated with the procedure. After several sets of x-rays are taken, the catheter is removed and the insertion site is compressed for ten minutes.

Angiography is commonly used to detect narrowing of blood vessels, detect blockage of a blood vessel or to determine the site of internal bleeding. In addition, angiography can show atherosclerotic disease in the carotid artery, demonstrate intracranial aneurysm, indicate disease in the renal artery or help in preparation for a kidney transplant. Additionally, the procedure can be used to determine the state of the aorta and detect an aortic aneurysm. It may also demonstrate sources of internal bleeding such as gastrointestinal ulcers or be used in preparation for surgery on blood vessels in the legs of patients with severe pain upon walking. Finally, doctors can repair blood vessels without the use of a scalpel and fully invasive surgical procedures.

Angiography gives a detailed, clear and accurate visualization of blood vessels. Other benefits include the ability to diagnose and treat within one procedure, and the level of detail afforded by catheter angiography may not be available with any other non-invasive procedure. As with any procedure, in addition to benefits, there are possible risks as well. Patients may experience an allergic reaction to the contrast material. There is also a slight risk of the formation of a blood clot at the catheter site or internal bleeding if the catheter punctures the artery.

Angiography provides a detailed image of blood vessels which can be used to determine pathology or