Angiography is the study of blood vessels by using x-rays. Angiography is an imaging procedure that uses x-rays to see any blocking, narrowing, enlarged or malformed blood vessels in your body. Angiography includes the study of blood vessels of brain, heart, abdomen and upper and lower extremities.
During angiography the contrast media will be injected into your arteries by using a catheter (tube) and it will be seen on the screen. Angiography is also called as angiogram.
Computed tomography angiography is performed on the Computed Tomography machine in radiology department. In this procedure the contrast media is injected into the blood vessels using a catheter and then diagnose the disease related to the interested part. By angiography the image of major blood vessels throughout the body.
In CT angiography, the image of both blood vessels and the tissues related to that organ are produced. The contrast media is injected through a small catheter in the vein of the arm. The radiology technologist then capture high-resolution images during the contrast media flows through the blood vessels.
Indications for CT angiography:
CT Angiography plays an important role in checking of blood vessels during the surgery, these include:
The coronary angiography is the angiography for heart vessels. A coronary angiography is a part of the procedure known as cardiac/heart catheterization. This procedure use to diagnose and treat the disease related to blood vessels of heart and heart. A coronary angiography which is used to diagnose the heart related conditions and it is most common type of cardiac catheterization procedure.
During the procedure of coronary angiography, the contrast media is injected in the blood vessels of heart and x-ray machine produces a series of images of the blood vessels. The doctor can also perform angioplasty (opening of clogged heart arteries) during an angiography if needed.
Indications for coronary angiography:
Complications after coronary angiography:
Radionuclide angiography is a procedure of nuclear medicine department. It gives the detailed structure and function of the right and left ventricles of the heart. in this procedure a radioactive tracer is injected into the patient and a gamma ray involvement. It is also called as multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan.
Digital subtraction angiography is the imaging of blood vessels in brain. It is done for angiography of brain and to check the blood flow of vessels in brain.
Magnetic resonance angiography is a part of Magnetic Resonance Imaging that uses contrast media. This contrast media is used to visualize the blood vessels. This study gives the detailed image of blood vessels these includes; angiography for brain, angiography of heart and angiography leg.
Renal angiography is also known as the arteriography. The image of blood vessels of renal/kidney is produced during the renal angiography. The renal angiography is done to look for the aneurysm (thickening) of blood vessels and stenosis (narrowing) of blood vessels.
The contrast media is injected to the artery that brings blood to the kidney. After that the images will be taken.
Indications of renal angiography:
Angiography is performed in the catheterization (Cath) lab. Your doctor will instruct you about medications and specific instructions, and the general guidelines include:
Before the procedure:
Before going to an angiography procedure, your health care team will get a review of your medical history, previous allergies and your medications. The nurse will record your vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse rate.
During the procedure:
For the procedure you will lie on the x-ray table.
An Intravenous (IV) line is inserted in your arm. Depending on your procedure your doctor may give you anesthesia. Anesthesia is given to the patient to sedate them. The anesthesia will be given through IV route.
Throughout the procedure electrode on your chest monitor your heart. All other vitals are also checked throughout the procedure like blood pressure, pulse oximeter, and measurement of amount of oxygen in your blood.
The area from where the catheter will be inserted should be washed and disinfect with the antiseptic solution and numbed with a local anesthesia, and a small amount of hair may also be shaved from the area.
A small incision is made at the entry level, and a small plastic tube is inserted into your artery then the catheter is inserted through the tube into blood vessels and this catheter is threaded to the coronary arteries. This doesn’t cause any pain.
Contrast media is injected through the catheter. You may feel a warmth or flushing sensation, but if you feel any discomfort and pain tell the doctor.
The contrast media will be seen on x-ray image very easily. As it travels through your veins, your doctor can watch its stream and recognize any blockages or clogged arteries. It depends upon what your doctor finds during your angiography, you may have extra catheter systems simultaneously, for example, an inflatable angioplasty or a stent arrangement to open up a limited vein. Other noninvasive tests, for example, ultrasound, may enable your doctor to assess recognized blockages.
An angiography takes about one hour or more depending on other combined catheterization procedures.
After the procedure:
At the point when the angiography is finished, the catheter is expelled from your arm or crotch and the entry point is shut with manual weight, a clasp, or a little attachment.
You’ll be taken to a recovery zone for observation and monitoring. At the point when your condition is steady, you come back to your own room, where you’re checked routinely.
You’ll have to lie flat for a few hours to avoid bleeding the catheter was embedded in the crotch. During this time, weight might be applied to prevent bleeding and promote healing.
You might have the option to return home that day, or you may need to stay in the emergency clinic short-term. Drink a lot of liquids to flush the contrast media from your body.
Ask your medicinal services group when to continue taking prescriptions, washing or showering, working, and doing other typical exercises. Keep away from arduous exercises and hard work for a few days.
Your cut site is probably going to stay delicate for some time. It might be somewhat wounded and have a little knock.
The results show that whether there is a normal blood supply or any blockage in the blood vessels. The result also show that how much blood flow is blocked by your blood vessels. The abnormal results may show the blockage of one or more arteries. If you diagnosed with a blocked artery your doctor may perform another procedure such as angioplasty.
