X-ray angiography is performed to specifically image and diagnose diseases of the blood vessels of the body, including the brain and heart. Traditionally, angiography was used to diagnose pathology of these vessels such as blockage caused by plaque build up. However in recent decades, radiologists, cardiologists and vascular surgeons have used the x-ray angiography procedure to guide minimally invasive surgery of the blood vessels and arteries of the heart. Conventional x-ray angiography has a lead role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, heart attack , acute stroke and vascular disease which can lead to stroke. What A Person Experiences, What to Expect During an Angiography Examination Most conventional x-ray angiography procedures are similar.
Patient preparation involves removing clothing and jewelry and wearing a patient gown.
In all cases, angiography requires that intravenous contrast is administered. For interventional or therapeutic angiography, a small incision is made in the groin or arm so that a catheter can be inserted during the study. The technologist and radiologist remain at table-side during the procedure to operate the angiography system and work with the catheters, contrast injectors and related devices. Typically the patient simply needs to relax and stay calm during angiography. Some angiography procedures can take up to two hours while other procedures take less than an hour.