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Intravascular Ultrasound Ivus

CORONARY ANGIOGRAM

Medical imaging is the technique and process of imaging the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention, as well as visual representation of the function of some organs or tissues.

Medical imaging seeks to reveal internal structures hidden by the skin and bones, as well as to diagnose and treat disease.

  • Coronary angiography is an imaging test that uses X-rays to view your heart blood vessels.
  • The X-rays provided by an angiography are called angiograms.
  • Coronary angiogram can help doctors detect blood vessel abnormalities, including weakened blood vessels, plaque deposits, and blood clots in the heart.
  • This shows the extent and severity of heart disease and helps determine how well your heart is working.
  • Coronary angiograms are part of a general group of procedures known as cardiac catheterizations.
  • Cardiac catheterization procedures can both diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions.

  • Chest pain related to heart (angina).
  • Pain in your jaw, neck, or arm that cannot be explained by other tests.
  • New or increasing chest pain (unstable angina).
  • Congenital heart disease (childhood heart disease).
  • Abnormal results in a non-invasive heart stress test (TMT).
  • A heart valve problem that requires surgery.
  • Other blood vessel problems or a chest injury.

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG).
  • 2D-Echocardiogram (2D-Echo).
  • Stress test (TMT).
  • Chest X-ray.

  • Aneurysm (abnormal expansion of the blood vessel wall).
  • Heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat).
  • Birth defects in the heart.
  • Blocks in the blood vessels.
  • Defects in heart valves.

  • Past medical history.
  • Past medication history.
  • Allergic history to any drugs.
  • Current medication history.
Coronary Angiogram Information
Coronary Angiogram Procedure

Before the Procedure

  • You may need to discontinue certain medications before the test, such as medications that thin the blood.
  • Fasting is required for four to six hours prior to your test.
  • You may undergo various tests before the angiogram, including blood tests, an ECG, and chest X-ray.
  • Remove metal objects that may interfere with the test.
  • Empty your bladder before the procedure.

During the Procedure

  • You may be given medicine to help you relax, but you will remain awake.
  • You will be taken to the hospital’s cardiac catheterization laboratory (Cath Lab).
  • You will lie on a table near a C-arm and other imaging equipment.
  • Your doctor numbs a spot on your groin or arm and inserts a thin tube (catheter) into an artery and guides it to the heart.
  • A special contrast dye flows through the catheter so the arteries can be clearly seen on X-ray images.
  • X-rays are taken as the contrast dye moves through the arteries.
  • You may be asked to hold your breath or cough for better angiographic views.
  • By studying the X-ray images, the doctor can identify problems in your coronary arteries.
  • If needed, your doctor may perform angioplasty during the same procedure to open blocked arteries.

Discomforts During the Procedure

  • You may feel slight pressure as the catheter is inserted.
  • Rarely, some chest discomfort may occur as the contrast dye is injected.
  • You may experience an urge to urinate during the procedure.
  • Nausea can occasionally occur.
  • You may feel a warm or hot flash sensation from head to toe for about 20 seconds when the special dye is injected.
  • During the angiogram, you will remain awake so you can follow your doctor’s instructions.
Coronary Angiogram Discomforts
After Coronary Angiogram Procedure

After the Procedure

  • After the angiogram, the catheter is removed from your arm or groin and the incision is closed with manual pressure, a clamp, or a small plug.
  • You will be taken to a recovery area for observation and monitoring.
  • Once your condition is stable, you will return to your room for regular monitoring.
  • You may need to lie flat for a few hours to avoid bleeding if the catheter was inserted through the groin.
  • You may be able to go home the same day, or you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast dye from your body.
  • Ask your healthcare team when you can resume medications, bathing, working, and other daily activities.
  • Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few days to one week.
  • The puncture site may remain tender for some time and may appear slightly bruised with a small bump.

  • The fluoroscopy images show how many coronary arteries or heart blood vessels are blocked or narrowed by fatty plaques (atherosclerosis).
  • Pinpoints the exact location of blockages in your blood vessels.
  • Shows how much blood flow is blocked due to narrowed arteries.
  • Helps evaluate the results of previous coronary bypass surgery grafts.
  • Checks blood flow through your heart blood vessels.

Minor Complications
  • Bleeding.
  • Bruising.
  • Allergic reaction to the contrast dye.
Major Complications
  • Heart attack.
  • Stroke.
  • Injury to the catheterized artery.
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
  • Kidney damage.
  • Excessive bleeding at the puncture site.
  • Infection at the puncture site.

  • Try to rest as much as possible.
  • Avoid standing for more than a few minutes at a time.
  • Avoid heavy lifting for at least one week after the procedure.
  • See your doctor if you notice signs of infection at the puncture site such as redness, heat, swelling, or discharge.
  • Drink plenty of fluids for eight hours after the procedure unless advised otherwise by your cardiologist.
  • Do not take baths, use a hot tub, or swim in a pool for at least three days. You may shower.
  • Do not apply lotion near the puncture site for three days.
  • Follow up with your heart doctor one week after the test or as instructed.
Coronary Angiogram Results and Self Care