Coronary angiography

Coronary angiography
The most accurate method (the "gold standard") for evaluating and defining coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary angiography is used to identify the exact location and severity of CAD. During coronary angiography, a small catheter (a thin hollow tube with a diameter of 2-3 mm) is inserted through the skin into an artery in the groin or the arm. Guided with the assistance of a fluoroscope (a special x-ray viewing instrument), the catheter is then advanced to the opening of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart. Next, a small amount of radiographic contrast (a solution containing iodine, which is easily visualized with x-ray images) is injected into each coronary artery. The images that are produced are called the angiogram. Angiographic images accurately reveal the extent and severity of all coronary arterial blockages. Coronary angiography is performed with the use of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, and is generally not terribly uncomfortable. The procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes. After the procedure, the catheter is removed and the artery in the leg or arm is sutured, "sealed," or treated with manual compression to prevent bleeding. There is a small risk of serious complications from coronary angiography, as it is an "invasive" test, but in the hands of an experienced physician, this risk is quite small (well below one per cent). In patients for whom the test is appropriate, the therapeutic information learned from the coronary angiogram is far more valuable than the relatively small risk of the procedure. For patients with severe angina or myocardial infarction, or those who have markedly abnormal noninvasive tests for CAD, the angiogram also helps the doctor select the optimal treatment, which may include medications, balloon angioplasty, coronary stenting, atherectomy ("roto-rooter"), or coronary bypass surgery. The coronary angiogram is the only test which allows the precise quantification of the extent and severity of CAD to optimally make these treatment decisions.

* * *

an X-ray technique for examination of the coronary arteries, often taken to also include examination of the chambers of the heart. A catheter is introduced, usually into a vessel in the groin, and manipulated into the heart. Contrast medium is then injected to outline the atria, ventricles, and coronary arteries. Video images are recorded during contrast-medium injection, either on film or electronic media, often using digital subtraction techniques. Coronary angiography is used to diagnose cardiac disease, specifically narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries, and plan treatment by surgery or radiological interventional techniques (see coronary bypass graft, coronary angioplasty).

* * *

angiography of the coronary arteries.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • coronary angiography — an X ray technique for examination of the coronary arteries, often taken to also include examination of the chambers of the heart. A catheter is introduced, usually into a vessel in the groin, and manipulated into the heart. Contrast medium is… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • Angiography — Intervention Angiogram showing a transverse projection of the vertebrobasilar and posterior cerebral circulation …   Wikipedia

  • Coronary artery disease — Classification and external resources Micrograph of a coronary artery with the most common form of coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis) and marked luminal narrowing. Masson s trichrome …   Wikipedia

  • Coronary ischemia — is a medical term for not having enough blood through the coronary arteries.[1] Coronary ischemia is linked to heart disease as well as heart attacks.It is also known as cardiac ischemia.[2] Contents 1 Causes 2 Symptoms …   Wikipedia

  • Coronary artery aneurysm — Classification and external resources ICD 10 I25.4 ICD 9 414.11 …   Wikipedia

  • Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) — Coronary artery disease develops because of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) that supply blood to the heart muscle. Diagnostic tests include EKG, stress test, echocardiography, and coronary angiography. CABG surgery is advised for… …   Medical dictionary

  • Angiography, coronary — The most accurate method (the gold standard ) for evaluating and defining coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary angiography is used to identify the exact location and severity of CAD. During coronary angiography, a small catheter (a thin hollow …   Medical dictionary

  • angiography — Radiography of vessels after the injection of a radiopaque contrast material; usually requires percutaneous insertion of a radiopaque catheter and positioning under fluoroscopic control. SEE ALSO …   Medical dictionary

  • Coronary artery bypass surgery — Heart bypass redirects here. For the technique to take over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery, see Cardiopulmonary bypass. Coronary artery bypass surgery Intervention Early in a coronary artery bypass sur …   Wikipedia

  • angiography — n. imaging of blood vessels (see also coronary angiography, lymphangiography). Fluoroscopic angiography is performed by injection of contrast medium during X ray fluoroscopy. Positive (radiopaque) contrast medium containing iodine or, more… …   The new mediacal dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”