Coronary angiography is an invasive diagnostic test that allows your cardiologist to study the coronary arteries of the heart. Specially designed catheters are used to inject contrast medium into the arteries and display them on special screens with the help of technology and X-rays.
How is it done?
In the catheterization laboratory, the invasive cardiologist will place a local anesthetic at the puncture site in either the wrist ( radial artery) or the leg (femoral artery). The doctor will then insert a plastic tube into the artery and through it will push the appropriate catheters so that he can reach the coronary arteries and be able to outline them. When the procedure is over, the catheters are removed and pressure is applied to the area to prevent bleeding.
Where it is used?
- Acute coronary syndromes such as myocardial infarction and unstable angina.
- Confirmed reversible ischemia in non-invasive functional test (Τreadmill Stress test, Dobutamine Stress Echo, Myocardial perfusion Scan).
- Assessment of valvular disease that requires immediate surgery.
- Exclusion of coronary heart disease in patients with newly or recently diagnosed heart failure.
- Evaluation of new or worsening symptoms in patients with existing coronary heart disease and the presence of angioplasty (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).
Possible Complications
- Allergic reactions to the contrast agent or medication used during the procedure.
- Injury to the radial or femoral artery by the puncture needle that may interrupt the procedure or require urgent surgery.
- Coronary artery injury that may lead to myocardial infarction or cardiorespiratory arrest.
- Stroke
- Potentially fatal arrhythmias.
- Kidney damage on the ground of pre-existing renal failure that may require dialysis temporarily or permanently.
Please contact us in case you need personalized detailed clarifications. This service is not performed in our office but in certified catheterization laboratories by invasive cardiologists.
