Angiography is a medical imaging technique used to evaluate the internal structure and health of blood vessels. The word "angiography" is derived from the Greek words "anjion" (vessel) and "grapho" (to write or draw). This method plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases and is applied in various fields of modern medicine.

What is Angiography?

Angiography is an imaging test performed to evaluate the internal structures of blood vessels and blood flow. During the procedure, a contrast material (a colored liquid) is typically injected into the vessels, and this substance is visualized using devices such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The contrast material allows the blood vessels to be clearly visible, enabling the detection of blockages, narrowing, and other abnormalities.

Types of Angiography

• Coronary Angiography: An angiography performed to visualize the heart's blood vessels. It is commonly used to assess the risk of a heart attack or to diagnose coronary artery disease.

• Peripheral Angiography: Conducted to visualize the peripheral blood vessels, such as those in the legs and arms. It is used to evaluate conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) or vascular blockages.

• Venography: An angiography performed to visualize the veins. It is typically used to diagnose conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

• Pulmonary Angiography: Used to visualize the blood vessels in the lungs. It is employed in evaluating pulmonary embolism or blockages in the pulmonary arteries.

• Carotid Angiography: Used to visualize the carotid arteries in the neck. This procedure helps assess cerebral blood flow and identify the risk of stroke.

• Endovascular Angiography: A type of angiography performed during vascular interventions, where various procedures and treatment methods are applied within the blood vessels.

How is Angiography Performed?

The angiography procedure typically consists of the following steps:

1. Preparation: The patient is usually asked to fast. The patient's medical history and any allergies are assessed before the procedure. The risk of an allergy to the contrast material is also checked.

2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is typically applied before the procedure. This helps reduce pain at the site where the catheter will be inserted. If necessary, sedatives and pain relievers are administered.

3. Catheter Insertion: A thin plastic tube (catheter) is usually inserted into a vein in the groin, arm, or neck. Through this catheter, the contrast material is injected into the blood vessels.

4. Imaging: Once the contrast material has spread through the vessels, images of the blood vessels are taken using X-rays, CT scans, or MRI devices. These images provide information about the condition of the vessels.

5. Treatment (If Necessary): If blockages or narrowing of the blood vessels are found during the angiography, procedures such as balloon angioplasty, stent placement, or other interventions may be performed.

6. Monitoring and Recovery: After the procedure, the insertion site is monitored, and the patient is advised to rest. Most patients can go home on the same day.

Applications of Angiography

1. Diagnosis: Angiography is used in the diagnosis of vascular occlusions, stenoses, aneurysms, and other vascular diseases. Furthermore, it is important in the evaluation of conditions such as heart diseases, stroke risk, and pulmonary embolism.  

   Treatment: During angiography, various treatment methods can be applied to address problems within the blood vessels. For example, balloon angioplasty can be performed or a stent can be placed to open a vascular occlusion.  

   Management: Angiography can be used to monitor the progression of treated vascular diseases and to evaluate the success of the treatment.  

Risks and Complications of Angiography

While angiography is generally a safe procedure, some risks and complications may occur:

• Bleeding: There may be bleeding at the insertion site during or after the procedure.

• Infection: The risk of infection at the insertion site is low but should still be monitored carefully.

• Allergic Reactions: Rare allergic reactions to the contrast material may occur.

• Kidney Function: Since the contrast material may accumulate in the kidneys, its effects on kidney function should be considered.

Advantages of Angiography

• Minimal Invasive: Angiography allows for the evaluation of blood vessels without requiring surgical intervention.

  Daily Life: Most patients can return home on the same day of the procedure.

  Diagnosis and Treatment: Both diagnostic and, in some cases, therapeutic procedures are carried out.

  Conclusion

  Angiography is an important tool in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases. Thanks to advanced imaging technologies and minimally invasive techniques, early diagnosis and effective treatment of diseases have become possible. Angiography plays a crucial role in modern medicine, used in a wide range of conditions from heart diseases to venous problems.

  These details are supported by verified medical information from specialist doctor İbadat Hasanov, with the aim of informing individuals. In each case, the treatment plan is tailored specifically to you, and this decision is carefully evaluated by your doctors.