Angiography is a medical produre used to examine the condition of blood vessels in detail. Through this procedure, doctors can identify whether there are narrowings, blockages, or other blood flow problems that may lead to various heart and blood vessel diseases.

With angiography, doctors can diagnose different cardiovascular disorders, including coronary artery disease, aneurysms, and blood flow problems in the brain or other parts of the body.

How Angiography Works

Angiography is performed to visualize blood flow inside the blood vessels in detail. This test uses a special substance called a contrast agent, which makes the blood vessels appear more clearly on X-ray images.

The contrast agent is injected into the bloodstream so doctors can directly observe the shape and condition of the blood vessels on a monitor. From these images, doctors can assess whether a blood vessel is blocked, narrowed, or shows other abnormalities.

To deliver the contrast agent, doctors use a thin, flexible tube known as a catheter. The catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the groin, wrist, or arm, depending on which part of the body needs to be evaluated.

Before the procedure starts, patients are usually given a mild sedative to help them feel calm and comfortable. In certain situations, the doctor may use general anesthesia so the patient remains asleep and does not feel anything during the test.

Angiography Procedure

The duration of an angiography procedure varies according to how complex the patient’s condition is. In simpler cases, the test usually takes around 15-30 minutes. However, if a blockage is found and needs to be treated, the doctor may perform an additional procedure such as angioplasty, which will make the process longer.

The procedure begins with local anesthesia at the site where the catheter will be inserted. After the area becomes numb, the doctor gently advances the catheter into the blood vessel and guides it toward the part of the body that will be examined.

Once the catheter is in the correct position, the doctor injects the contrast dye into the bloodstream. As the dye circulates, some patients may feel a brief warm sensation or a metallic taste in the mouth. This is normal, short-lived, and not dangerous.

After that, the doctor takes X-ray images to observe the blood flow directly on a monitor.

If a significant blockage is detected in the blood vessel, the doctor may immediately perform angioplasty. In this procedure, a small balloon at the tip of a catheter is inflated at the blocked area to press the plaque against the vessel wall so that blood can flow more freely again.

If the blood vessel still looks narrow after the balloon is deflated, the doctor may place a stent, which is a small mesh-like metal tube that helps keep the vessel open.

However, if the blockage is very severe and cannot be corrected with angioplasty or stent placement, the patient may need bypass surgery. This operation creates a new route for blood to flow around the blocked area. Bypass surgery is usually done at a different time or on a different day.

When the angiography is finished, the catheter is removed. Firm pressure is applied to the insertion site for several minutes to stop any bleeding, and then a bandage is placed over the area.

If the catheter was inserted through the groin, the patient is usually asked to lie flat for about 4-6 hours to reduce the risk of bleeding again.

If you have concerns related to heart or blood vessel problems, talk to your doctor to find out whether angiography is needed as part of your test or treatment plan.

You can also use the health consultation service in the Ai Care app, which is available on the App Store and Play Store.

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