What is coronary angiography?

By Cristiano Antonino On Mar 3, 2023

Coronary angiography is a radiological examination that allows you to view images of the coronary arteries, the arterial vessels that surround the heart and carry blood to the heart muscle

It is a diagnostic procedure that is carried out through the introduction of a contrast medium into the bloodstream, which is useful for making the coronary arteries visible to the machine.

Coronagraphy involves the introduction of a catheter, a thin, flexible tube that is advanced into the blood vessels to the point where it must release the contrast fluid.

Thanks to the advent of digital technologies, today it is possible to obtain images of the circulatory function by minimizing the use of the contrast medium.

What is coronary angiography for?

Coronagraphy is a test indicated to evaluate heart function.

It allows you to establish whether the coronary arteries are free (patent) or obstructed by clots, narrowing (stenosis) or cholesterol plaques (atheromas).

It is indicated when the patient reports:

Chest pain (angina pectoris) or anginal pain in the arm
A genetic defect from birth (congenital heart disease)
Heart valve defects
Heart failure
Trauma

Angiography allows you to schedule surgery

For example, it can precede or be associated with angioplasty, which involves the introduction of a stent to restore flow in an occluded vessel.

It is useful for assessing possible complications of surgery.

It is also a diagnostic method to monitor the results of an intervention (follow up) such as in the case of a bypass.

It is performed on an empty stomach and is performed in hospitalization.

Who can perform coronary angiography?

The contrast medium could cause allergic phenomena, but the percentage of these reactions is very low.

In any case, the specialists will provide the most appropriate indications.

Generally, particular attention is paid to the status of women of childbearing age.

Is coronary angiography painful or dangerous?

Coronagraphy is an invasive exam, however the use of increasingly advanced technologies greatly reduces the risks.

Pain related to the injection of contrast fluids or the catheter is minimized by local anesthesia.

A sensation of heat is usually felt following the introduction of the liquid.

How is coronary angiography performed?

Coronary angiography is performed by introducing a catheter, usually from the femoral or radial (wrist) or brachial (elbow) artery.

Local anesthesia is applied at the point of entry of the catheter into the artery.

The femoral site is preferred as the introduction site because it is large and the catheter can pass through a dilatation system, without the need to isolate the artery and therefore cut the skin.

Then it goes up to the heart and the catheter is positioned at the entrance of the coronary artery, the contrast medium is injected into the catheter, so as to completely opacify the course of the artery itself and allow the visualization of any obstructions.

The visualization of the procedure is followed on a screen

Once the catheter has been removed, it is necessary to compress the femoral artery to stop the blood and allow the formation of a clot which closes the small entrance hole using an elastic bandage.

No points are needed.

The patient is discharged within 24 hours.

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