During an angiogram, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery or vein and guided to the area of interest. A contrast dye is then injected through the catheter, which makes the blood vessels visible on X-ray images. The X-rays are captured in real-time, allowing the doctor to see how the blood is flowing through the vessels and identify any abnormalities.
An angiogram can be used to evaluate the following:
1. Arteries: An angiogram of the arteries can help diagnose and treat conditions such as coronary artery disease (blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart), peripheral artery disease (narrowing of the arteries in the arms and legs), and carotid artery disease (narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the brain).
2. Veins: An angiogram of the veins can help diagnose and treat conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis), pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), and varicose veins (enlarged, swollen veins).
3. Organs and Tissues: Angiography can also be used to evaluate blood supply to specific organs and tissues, such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, and brain.
In addition to diagnostic purposes, angiography can also be used for therapeutic interventions. During the same procedure, doctors can use the catheter to perform various treatments, such as:
1. Angioplasty: A procedure to widen narrowed arteries by inflating a small balloon inside the artery.
2. Stent placement: A procedure to insert a tiny mesh tube (stent) into an artery to keep it open.
3. Thrombectomy: A procedure to remove blood clots from arteries or veins.
4. Embolization: A procedure to block off a blood vessel to stop bleeding or prevent blood flow to a tumor.
Angiography is generally performed in a hospital setting under local anesthesia, and it typically takes around 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. It provides valuable information for diagnosing and treating various conditions affecting the blood vessels.