Angiogram results help physicians diagnose a number of conditions, including heart and vascular disease, defective heart valves and congenital heart defects. They identify the number and severity of blockages, which helps physicians determine the best course of treatment. Treatment options include medication, balloon procedures, stents and bypass grafting.
Angiography is a safe, low-risk procedure that provides an enormous amount of information about the patient's condition. It is not a surgical procedure, but since it does require the insertion of a catheter into the body, it is termed an "invasive" procedure. There are two types of angiograms - cardiac and peripheral.
Angiography uses contrast dye and motion pictures to produce images of the coronary arteries or vessels (the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle) and the valves. These motion pictures then assist the cardiologist in determining the best treatment for you.
Cardiac Angiogram (Cardiac Catheterization)
A cardiac catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted in an artery or vein, usually in the groin area. It is steered through the vascular system to the heart with the aid of a guiding wire. A cardiologist maneuvers the catheter into the coronary arteries under direct observation and X-ray. Pressure measurements are obtained in certain areas of the heart, which provide the cardiologist with information regarding the function of your heart. It can show the precise location of a blockage or defect. Invasive procedures can also be performed with special balloon catheters and stents to open blockages in the arteries supplying blood to the heart.
Peripheral Angiogram
A cardiac catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into an artery or vein, usually in the groin area. It is steered through the vascular system with the aid of a guiding wire. A physician maneuvers the catheter into the peripheral vascular system under direct observation and X-ray. It can show the precise location of a blockage or defect. Invasive procedures can also be performed with special balloon catheters and stents to open blockages in the arteries supplying blood to the heart.
Angiography Procedure
Before the procedure, an intravenous (IV) line is inserted into your arm to administer fluids and medications. You also receive a mild sedative. Then, you are positioned on the procedure table lying on your back. ECG pads are attached to your chest, and your blood pressure and blood oxygen level are monitored continuously. You are covered with sterile drapes, and the staff wears sterile gowns, gloves and masks. The team in the room consists of the physician, a registered nurse and a cardiovascular or radiology technician.
The area where the catheter will be inserted is cleaned, and a local anesthetic is injected, causing a temporary burning or stinging sensation. A small incision is made, and a needle is used to puncture the blood vessel (vein or artery) into which the catheter is inserted. The catheter is directed toward the vessels using X-ray monitoring. You do not feel the catheter inside the blood vessels, but you may experience hot flashes or a fluttering sensation from extra heartbeats.
During a cardiac angiogram, the catheter measures pressure inside the heart and injects X-ray dye, which allows the physician to assess the heart's pumping function and estimate the severity of valve defects. Specially shaped catheters are inserted and directed toward the openings of the vessels. Dye is injected through the catheter into each vessel, and an X-ray camera takes pictures. These pictures help detect areas of narrowing and their severity.
The catheters are removed from your groin after the procedure, and bleeding stops after approximately 15 to 30 minutes if pressure is held to the groin area. Stitches are not usually needed, and a transparent dressing is applied. Sometimes, a compression device is used to apply additional pressure.
Vital signs are frequently and carefully checked and documented. The total catheterization procedure can last from 45 minutes to several hours. You are awake during the procedure and are able to watch some of the pictures being taken.You have to lie flat in bed for several hours after the catheter has been removed, and you will be discharged soon after you are able to get up and walk around.
