Angiography is a medical imaging procedure that uses a special dye and X-rays to examine the blood vessels in different parts of the body. The procedure is used to diagnose and evaluate a variety of medical conditions that affect the blood vessels, including heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
During an angiography, a contrast dye is injected into the blood vessels being examined. The dye helps to highlight the blood vessels on the X-ray images, making it easier for the medical team to see any abnormalities or blockages.
Angiography can be performed using different techniques depending on the part of the body being examined. Some common types of angiography include:
- Coronary angiography: This type of angiography is used to examine the blood vessels of the heart. A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and guided to the coronary arteries. Contrast dye is then injected through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken to evaluate the blood flow through the heart.
- Cerebral angiography: This type of angiography is used to examine the blood vessels in the brain. A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and guided to the blood vessels in the brain. Contrast dye is then injected through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken to evaluate the blood flow in the brain.
- Peripheral angiography: This type of angiography is used to examine the blood vessels in the legs, arms, and other parts of the body. A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or arm and guided to the blood vessels being examined. Contrast dye is then injected through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken to evaluate the blood flow in the area.
Angiography is generally considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure, but like any medical test, it carries some risks. These risks can include bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to the contrast dye. The medical team will monitor the patient closely during the procedure and take steps to minimize these risks.
In conclusion, angiography is a medical imaging procedure that uses contrast dye and X-rays to examine the blood vessels in different parts of the body. The procedure is used to diagnose and evaluate a variety of medical conditions that affect the blood vessels. Different types of angiography are used depending on the part of the body being examined. Angiography is generally considered safe and minimally invasive, but like any medical test, it carries some risks.