Angiography

What is Angiography?

Angiography, also known as arteriography, is a diagnostic procedure that involves injecting a contrast dye into the bloodstream and capturing X-ray images to assess the condition and function of blood vessels. It helps healthcare providers diagnose and evaluate various vascular conditions, such as narrowing (stenosis), blockages, aneurysms, and malformations.

Types of Angiography:

There are several types of angiography, each tailored to examine specific areas of the body:

Coronary Angiography: Used to evaluate the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle, often performed to diagnose coronary artery disease and assess the need for interventions like angioplasty or stent placement.

Cerebral Angiography:Focuses on imaging the blood vessels in the brain and is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as stroke, aneurysms, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Peripheral Angiography: Examines the blood vessels outside the heart and brain, including those in the legs, arms, abdomen, and neck. It helps diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD), aneurysms, and other vascular issues.

Procedure and Benefits:

During an angiography procedure: The patient is positioned on an X-ray table, and a local anesthetic may be administered to numb the insertion site. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or wrist, and guided to the area of interest. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter to make the blood vessels visible on X-ray images. The X-ray machine captures real-time images, allowing the healthcare provider to assess the blood flow and detect any abnormalities.

Customized Therapy: Modern AICDs offer advanced features such as dual-chamber pacing, multisite pacing, and remote monitoring, allowing for personalized therapy tailored to each patient's specific needs.

Long-Term Survival: Studies have shown that AICD implantation is associated with increased long-term survival rates among patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death.

The Implantation Procedure:

The implantation of an AICD is typically performed in a hospital setting under local anesthesia. During the procedure: The surgeon makes a small incision in the chest and creates a pocket for the AICD device. Leads are inserted into the heart through veins and connected to the pulse generator. The device is then placed in the pocket, and the incision is closed. Patients are usually able to return home within a day or two following the procedure, with minimal discomfort or downtime.

Customized Therapy: Modern AICDs offer advanced features such as dual-chamber pacing, multisite pacing, and remote monitoring, allowing for personalized therapy tailored to each patient's specific needs.

Long-Term Survival: Studies have shown that AICD implantation is associated with increased long-term survival rates among patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death.