Coronary Angiography
Angio is a life-saving examination method to diagnose cardiovascular diseases and sudden heart attacks. Treatment planning is done according to the result of the angiography procedure, which shows the problem in the vessels going to the heart. Coronary angiography is usually performed through the artery in the patient's right wrist or right inguinal region.
What is Coronary Angiography?
Coronary angiography is a radiological test to view the inner surface of the coronary arteries (vessels supplying the heart) through a catheter. This test is often used to diagnose and treat heart diseases to detect occlusion or narrowing of the vessels that feed the heart.
Why is Coronary Angiography Performed?
Coronary angiography is performed to detect occlusion or narrowing of the vessels that feed the heart. This test has an important place in the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases.
Symptoms of heart disease are:
- Heart attack,
- Shortness of breath,
- Fatigue,
- Angina pectoris
Coronary angiography can investigate the causes of these symptoms and guide the treatment of heart disease.
What Should Be Done During the Preparation Process of Coronary Angiography?
During the preparation process for the procedure, information about the general health of the patient is collected, and an examination is performed before angiography. The patient is asked if they are allergic to the contrast material used during the angiography. At the same time, the doses of the drugs to be used are checked and changed when necessary. Before angiography, the patient is generally forbidden to eat and drink for 8 hours.
What you need to do during the preparation process will be explained to you in detail by your doctor.
How is Coronary Angiography Performed?
The steps of the angiography procedure are as follows:
- First, a sheath is placed over the patient's artery (groin or wrist).
- The catheter is advanced through the sheath towards the aorta, thus moving towards the coronary arteries.
- Contrast material is injected into the coronary arteries through the catheter.
- The contrast medium is scanned by a radiography device to view the coronary arteries and their occlusions.
- Doctors examine these images, and obstructions are detected.
- The procedure usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes.
What to Do After Coronary Angiography?
After the procedure, the patient is usually followed for several hours. During this period, the patient should be checked for side effects such as pain, swelling or bleeding at the site of the sheath insertion. In addition, after the procedure, the patient should generally avoid heavy physical activities for a few days.
Does Coronary Angiography Include Risk?
Coronary angiography is generally considered a safe procedure. However, as with any interventional procedure, it has some risks. These are as follows:
- Contrast substance allergy
- Infection
- Abnormal changes in heart rate, arrhythmia
- Catheter causing damage to the coronary arteries
- Very rarely stroke or death secondary to other reasons
What Complications May Develop in Coronary Angiography?
Complications that may develop are as follows:
- Contrast substance allergy
- Infection
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Kidney failure: It is usually temporary
- Catheter causing damage to the coronary arteries
- Perforation: Vessel puncture due to catheter or wires
- Embolism: It can be caused by plaque removal on the vessel wall connected to the catheter or expulsion of air or thrombus in the catheter to the ends of the vessel
How Is Angio Performed From The Wrist?
Angiography of the wrist is performed as follows:
- First, a sheath is placed on the patient's wrist.
- The catheter is advanced towards the aorta.
- Contrast material is injected into the coronary arteries through the catheter.
- The contrast material is scanned by a radiography device to view the coronary arteries and their occlusions.
- Doctors examine these images, and obstructions are detected.
Wrist angiography is usually performed under local anaesthesia. The procedure time is shorter than conventional coronary angiography. This method is also preferred as it reduces the complications that may occur during the coronary angiography procedure.