What is Angiography? How is Angiography Done?

Angiography is a type of x-ray used to check blood vessels. Veins are not clearly seen on a normal x-ray. Therefore, first of all, a special dye called contrast agent must be injected into your blood. This highlights your blood vessels, allowing your doctor to see if there are any problems. X-ray images created during angiography are called angiograms.

What is Angiography?

It is a diagnostic procedure that uses X-ray images to look for blockages in your blood vessels (arteries or veins). angiographyIt allows the doctor to see how blood circulates in the veins in certain places in your body. Doctors use an angiogram of your heart, neck, kidneys, legs, or other areas to find the source of an artery or vein problem.

When there are signs of blocked, damaged, or abnormal blood vessels, the doctor may want to perform an angiography procedure. Thanks to angiography, the doctor determines the source of the problem and the extent of damage to the blood vessels. With an angiography test, the doctor can diagnose conditions such as:

• coronary artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• atherosclerosis
• blood clots
• aneurysm

There are a variety of angiography procedures that can be used to diagnose different medical conditions:

• Computed tomography angiography (CTA) uses X-rays, software, and hardware to produce horizontal or axial images, or slices, of blood vessels for diagnostic purposes.
• Coronary angiography images the inside of the coronary arteries. These images can detect stenosis in the arteries that may be responsible for chest pain and lead to a heart attack.
• Digital angiography (DSA) checks blood flow by imaging blood vessels in the brain.
• Radionuclide angiography is a nuclear medicine procedure. A small amount of radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer) helps examine the target tissue.
• Pulmonary angiography allows imaging of blood vessels to evaluate various conditions such as aneurysm, stenosis, or obstruction.
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast dye to view blood vessels. Doctors often use MRA to examine the heart and other soft tissues and evaluate blood flow.
• Renal angiography, also known as arteriography, images the kidney blood vessels to determine if there are any blockages or abnormalities affecting blood flow to the kidneys.

How is Angiography Done?

Angiography usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Although it varies depending on the type of procedure performed, it is often possible to be discharged on the same day. You will be awake during the procedure. However, general anesthesia can be used in young children. During the research “How is angiography done?” question may come to your mind.

During the procedure, a small incision is made in the skin over one of the arteries, usually near your groin or wrist. Since local anesthesia is used to numb the area, no pain is felt. A long, thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into the artery. The catheter is then carefully guided to the examined area. Although you may feel some pushing and pulling while this is done, your likelihood of experiencing pain will be minimal. A special dye (contrast material) is injected into the vein through the catheter. Once this is done, you may feel warmth, redness, and the need to urinate for a few seconds.

A series of X-rays are taken as the contrast material passes through your blood vessels. Sometimes treatments can be done at the same time, such as inserting a balloon or small tube to open a narrowed artery. This is called angioplasty. After the procedure, the catheter is removed. Pressure is applied to the incision to stop bleeding. No stitches are required. After the test, you will be asked to lie still for a few hours to prevent bleeding from the cut. You can usually go home the same day. However, sometimes you may be advised to stay in hospital overnight.

How to Decide on Angiography?

This procedure is often used to diagnose and treat serious health problems such as heart disease, vascular occlusions, or aneurysms. However, your doctor evaluates your general health condition before deciding on angiography. It takes into account your current symptoms and previous illnesses. Angiography may be necessary, especially if you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, or fainting. He or she may also order this test if you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease. Along with these, your doctor will also evaluate the results of other diagnostic methods. Non-invasive tests such as ECG (Electrocardiogram), stress test, echocardiography or CT (Computed Tomography) angiography can provide important information about your cardiovascular health. The results of these tests can help determine the need for angiography. For example, if there are abnormal findings on the ECG or suspicious symptoms during the exercise test, angiography may be necessary.

How is Angiography Performed on the Wrist?

He/she inserts a long, thin tube (catheter) through the radial artery. The radial artery is a blood vessel in the wrist. This tube is then advanced through the blood vessels to the heart with the help of special X-rays. Various devices can be attached to this tube, depending on the cause of the procedure. Usually, a special dye is added to the catheter to take X-ray pictures of the arteries in your heart. There may be a balloon over the catheter. This catheter and balloon help open blockages in your heart’s arteries.

Who Cannot Have Wrist Angiography?

Patients need to have good blood flow to their hands through both the radial artery and ulnar artery. In the unlikely event that the radial artery becomes occluded after the procedure, blood flow from both arteries must be good. Occlusion of the radial artery is not a concern if blood flow from both arteries is good. Because at this point the ulnar artery can provide enough blood to the entire hand.

Doctors determine whether blood flow to the hands is good by performing an Allen test. In the Allen test, your doctor presses his thumb against the ulnar artery on the “little finger” side of the wrist. Your doctor then presses his other thumb on the radial artery on the thumb side of the wrist. You will be asked to open and close your hand until your hand becomes pale. Your doctor will then relieve the pressure on the ulnar artery. If your hand returns to a normal color in 8 seconds or less, your doctor knows that the ulnar artery may be supplying all the blood your hand needs in the unlikely event of a blockage of your radial artery. This approach cannot be applied to patients who are very weak or whose arteries are small or curved.

What are the things to consider after angiography?

You need to give your body enough time to heal. You will usually be advised to rest for a few hours after the procedure. Your doctor will indicate how long you need to stay in the hospital and how much rest you need when you return home. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activities during the recovery period. You should take care to rest for the period recommended by your doctor.

There may be a risk of bleeding or infection in the area where the catheter used during the procedure is placed. You should regularly check the area where the catheter is inserted and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any abnormalities. Symptoms such as bleeding, swelling, redness, or increased temperature may be signs of infection. Additionally, symptoms such as high fever or severe pain may also indicate infection.

After angiography, your doctor may prescribe some medications to prevent blood clots. It is important to use these medications regularly according to your doctor’s instructions. You should strictly follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding the dosage and duration of use of medications.