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Angiography

By

Mustafa A. Mafraji

, MD, Rush University Medical Center

Reviewed/Revised Nov 2023 | Modified Dec 2023
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Angiography is a type of medical imaging that uses x-rays and a contrast agent to produce images of blood vessels.

Procedure for Angiography

Before the angiography procedure, people are usually asked to refrain from eating and drinking for 12 hours.

For the procedure, people lie on an x-ray table (one that x-rays can easily pass through). Because the table may be tilted, straps may be applied across the chest and legs. X-ray cameras can be positioned as needed. Electrodes are placed on the chest to monitor the heart. Blood pressure and oxygen levels are also monitored.

After injecting a local anesthetic, a doctor makes a small incision, typically in the groin or sometimes in the arm. Then a thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted, usually into an artery, and is threaded through blood vessels to the area being evaluated. When the catheter is in place, a radiopaque contrast agent Radiopaque Contrast Agents Radiographic contrast agents are substances used to distinguish between internal structures in medical imaging, such as various types of x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During imaging... read more (a liquid that contains iodine and can be seen on x-rays) is injected. The contrast agent flows through the blood vessels and outlines them. The images appear on a video screen and are recorded. Thus, doctors can assess the structure of blood vessels and identify any abnormalities present.

Before angiography, people are often given a sedative intravenously to help them relax and remain calm, but they remain conscious during the procedure. During the procedure, people may be asked to take deep breaths, hold their breath, or cough. People should report any discomfort they feel.

Angiography may take less than an hour or several hours, depending on the area of the body being evaluated and the type of the examination or procedures being done. It is usually done as an outpatient procedure.

If the catheter is inserted into an artery, the insertion site must be steadily compressed for 10 to 20 minutes after all the instruments are removed. Compression reduces bleeding and bruises.

Cerebral Angiography: Catheter Insertion
VIDEO

Uses of Angiography

Angiography is used to check for abnormalities in blood vessels, usually arteries. Abnormalities may include

During angiography, procedures to treat the abnormalities detected can sometimes be done:

  • Narrowed arteries can be widened.

  • Blockages can be removed.

  • A tube made of wire mesh (stent) can be placed to keep an artery open.

  • Tears or weakened areas in a blood vessel can be repaired.

  • Blood flow to tumors or arteriovenous malformations can be blocked.

Variations of Angiography

Arteriography

Arteriography produces an image of arteries and is the most common type of angiography.

Venography

Digital subtraction angiography

Digital subtraction angiography provides images of the brain's blood vessels. During this procedure, x-ray images of blood vessels are taken before and after a radiopaque contrast agent Radiopaque Contrast Agents Radiographic contrast agents are substances used to distinguish between internal structures in medical imaging, such as various types of x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During imaging... read more is injected. Then a computer subtracts one image from the other. Images of structures other than arteries (such as bones) are thus eliminated. As a result, the arteries can be seen more clearly.

Table

Disadvantages of Angiography

For some people, angiography is uncomfortable. In a few people, allergic-type reactions Allergic-type contrast reactions Radiographic contrast agents are substances used to distinguish between internal structures in medical imaging, such as various types of x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During imaging... read more to the contrast agent occur. The injection site may bleed, become infected, or be painful. Rarely, the catheter damages a blood vessel.

The risk of complications is higher in older adults, although it is still low.

The dose of radiation Risks of Radiation in Medical Imaging Imaging tests that use radiation, usually x-rays, are a valuable tool in diagnosis, but exposure to radiation has some risks (see also Radiation Injury). Different diagnostic tests require different... read more used in angiography varies depending on the procedure but typically is much higher than in x-ray tests. For example, the radiation dose in coronary angiography is 350 to 750 times as much as that used in a single-view x-ray of the chest.

Angiography is not always readily available. It must be done by highly skilled doctors.

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