Procedure of Coronary Angiography
Prior to commencing the procedure, the supportive medical staff will conduct several preparatory steps for the patient. This includes checking the patient’s blood pressure, initiating an intravenous line, and assessing blood sugar levels, particularly for diabetic patients. When necessary, doctors may opt to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Following these preliminary measures, the patient is administered a mild sedative to induce relaxation. To begin the angiography, a designated area of the body, such as the arm or groin, where the catheter will be inserted, is meticulously cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
The cardiologist then inserts a catheter, a thin hollow tube, through an artery, carefully advancing it into the heart. X-ray images are employed to confirm the catheter’s precise positioning and the entire process is closely monitored on a screen. Once the catheter is correctly placed, a dye, also referred to as a contrast material, is injected through the catheter.
X-ray images play a crucial role in tracking the movement of the dye through the artery, aiding in the visualization of any blockages impeding blood flow. The entire procedure typically lasts up to 60 minutes. Throughout the test, the patient may feel the catheter moving through the blood vessels.
Subsequent to the test, the catheter is carefully removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. In cases where the catheter was placed in the groin, the patient is advised to remain in a flat position for a few hours following the test to minimize the risk of bleeding. It’s common for patients to experience mild back discomfort after the procedure.