Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG)
Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG) is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the condition of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. During CAG, a special dye is injected into the coronary arteries, and X-ray images are taken to detect any blockages or narrowing in the arteries. This technique is essential for diagnosing conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD) and evaluating the extent of arterial blockages. CAG is typically performed in a hospital setting, often in combination with cardiac catheterization. The information obtained from this procedure helps guide treatment decisions, such as whether an angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery is needed to restore normal blood flow to the heart.
About Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG)
Symptoms: Patients experiencing angina (chest pain), shortness of breath, fatigue, or other heart-related symptoms may be candidates for a Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG) to assess for coronary artery disease (CAD).
Causes: CAG is used to identify abnormalities in the coronary arteries, such as narrowing or blockages, which may indicate CAD. It is often recommended for individuals with risk factors like high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, or a family history of heart disease.
Purpose: CAG is a diagnostic procedure that helps guide future treatment decisions based on the extent of coronary artery disease. Treatment options, depending on the findings, can include lifestyle changes, medications, angioplasty, stent placement, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Procedure of Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG)
Preparation: The patient undergoes a review of their medical history and is informed of the procedure. Any allergies to medications or contrast dye are assessed, and informed consent is obtained.
Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is administered at the insertion site, usually the wrist or groin, to numb the area.
Catheter Insertion: A small incision is made, and a thin, flexible catheter is inserted into an artery, typically in the wrist or groin, under the guidance of X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy).
Guiding the Catheter: The catheter is navigated through the blood vessels until it reaches the coronary arteries.
Contrast Injection: Contrast dye is injected through the catheter, which allows the coronary arteries to be visible on X-ray images, highlighting any blockages or abnormalities.
Imaging: X-ray images (angiograms) are taken as the dye moves through the coronary arteries, providing detailed information on blood flow and any obstructions.
Catheter Removal: Once the procedure is complete, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to stop any bleeding. The patient is monitored post-procedure and provided with care instructions to prevent complications.