Angiography is an imaging technique that uses X-rays. In this procedure, a contrast agent is injected into the heart or blood vessels. To perform an angiography, the doctor will insert a cardiac catheter into your body. The tip of the catheter is guided toward the left ventricle or the opening of the coronary artery. Then, an iodine-based contrast dye is injected to allow the doctor to visualize blood flow within these structures. Some people may be allergic to the iodine-based dye. When the dye enters the left ventricle, you may feel a warm sensation.
Angiography shows how the heart pumps, its shape, and its internal structures. It also reveals whether malfunctioning heart valves have led to stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage). If the contrast dye is injected into the coronary arteries, angiography can determine whether narrowing or blockages in these arteries have reduced or stopped blood flow.
Stent Placement Procedure:
A stent is a small, tube-like mesh made of coiled wire. The stent is mounted on a balloon at the tip of the catheter and guided to the blocked coronary artery. The balloon is then inflated, expanding the stent and locking it into place at the site of the blockage, acting as a scaffold to keep the artery open. The balloon is deflated, and the catheter is removed, but the stent remains in place. Over a few weeks, new tissue grows over the stent, smoothing the inner surface of the artery.
Interpreting the Results:
A cardiac catheter can be used both as a diagnostic tool and for treatment. The most common diagnostic use of angiography is to examine the heart’s anatomy, particularly the coronary arteries. Through imaging during cardiac catheterization, doctors can detect blockages in blood vessels and determine their size and location.
Treatment options for coronary artery blockages include medication, lifestyle changes, surgery, or treatment during angiography. For example, if the doctor detects plaque buildup inside the arteries, they may perform balloon angioplasty as part of the catheterization procedure to improve blood flow. Additionally, the doctor may place a stent to enhance circulation in a blocked artery.
If the catheterization reveals that your blood vessels require surgical reconstruction, your doctor will discuss coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with you. The cardiac surgeon will use the images obtained during angiography to plan the surgical treatment.
Angiography Department:
This center's angiography unit began operations in 2011 with one cath lab and expanded to two cath labs in March 2017. Currently, the department operates morning and afternoon shifts throughout the week (except for Thursdays, when only morning shifts are available).
The angiography unit is also on-call 24/7, including holidays and night shifts, making it the only 24/7 facility in the province.
