Film or image of the blood vessels is known as angiograph or angiogram and the process of obtaining these images is known as angiography. These images are more often concerned with arteries, veins and the heart chambers. This process is also known as Arteriography.
CAG is one of the most common type of Angiography. It is performed to observe the blood in the coronary arteries. A long, flexible, thin tube called catheter is used to render the X-ray contrast agent at the desired area to be visualized. The catheter is thin like a thread, and can be passed through the artery of the patient's forearm. On the other hand, the tip of the catheter is advanced through the aerial system into the larger coronary artery.
The transient contrast material gets distributed in the blood flowing inside the coronary blood vessels. X-ray images of these contrast material allow the doctor to see the size of the artery openings. Your cardiologist will also look for presence or absence of atherosclerosis within the walls of the arteries. Other disorders like, occlusion, stenosis, restenosis, thrombosis or aneurysmal enlargement of the coronary artery lumen can also be recognized.
Coronary Angiography along with coronary catheterization is performed to examine heart chamber size, heart muscle contraction performance, and some aspects of heart valve function.
Based on the condition of your blood vessels, your doctor can find the best diagnostic and treatment method for you to keep your heart healthy. Coronary Angiography is conducted under local anesthesia, so you will be awake while the procedure is carried out but the area where catheter is inserted will remain numbed at the same time.
Coronary Angiography is an out-patient procedure, which means one can go home one the same day after resting for sometime. Patients may feel a bit tired after the procedure. The wounds can hurt for a week. Doctor will give you the appropriate medication to ease your pain. Avoid bathing, driving or lifting heavy objects for a day or two after undergoing this procedure.