Intro to Angiography

what is angiography

interventional radiology procedures used to examine, diagnose and/or treat blood vessels and other conditions after the introduction of contrast

what is angioplasty

the treatment portion of angiography, surgical repair or unblocking of a blood vessel

where are treatments for the coronary arteries preformed

typically done in the cardiac catheterization lab (cath lab)

where are most angiography procedures done

in a specific section of the digital imagine department, coronary arteries blockages/issues however and usually done in cath lab

What is cardiac catheterization?

Intravenous procedure used to diagnose structural and functional diseases of the heart and great vessels

Arteriography

refers to the radiologic examination of arteries via contrast

Venography

refers to the radiologic examination of veins via contrast injection

Who is apart of the angiography team

physician specialist, scrub nurse or MRT who assists, and an MRT operating the imaging equipment

Why are diagnostic procedures preformed

to identify a particular pathological process, are also used to localize vessels, tumors, and blockages before treatment

What are interventional procedures

procedures preformed to treat the pathological process

T/F: a diagnostic procedure can become an interventional procedure

True, CT angiography is often done first but can become an interventional procedure quickly if a pathology needed an emergent fix is present

T/F: cardiology usually has its own suite

True, this is where coronary procedures are preformed, usually in the Cath Lab

Who gathers patient consent prior to angiography procedure

completed by the physician and includes detailed explanation of possible risks and complications

what is PICC

peripherally inserted central catheter

why is medical history prior to an angiogram required

to asses patient ability to tolerate contrast, allergy history, cardiopulmonary and renal function/status

What are some pre-procedure patient care instructions/steps

-solid food is typically withheld for 8 hours before the procedure to reduce aspiration risk (ensure not dehydrate)

-vital signs obtained

-Puncture site shaved if necessary

What are some common risks for angiographic procedures

-bruises

-bleeding

-infection

-pain

-kidney issues

-allergic reaction to contrast

-Injury to blood vessels

what are some more rare risks from angiographic procedures

-Blood vessel blockage that could cause heart attack or stroke

-Blood vessel leak

what is the seldinger technique

medical method used to safely get access to blood vessels and other hollow organs inside the body first placing a wire then catheter over the wire

T/F: the femoral artery is the preferred site for arterial puncture

True, the femoral artery is preferred for arterial punctures due to its size and easy access

T/F: the radial artery is preferred site for cardiac interventions

True, it is most commonly used and threaded all the way to the heart to diagnose and treat heart conditions

name the vessels considered for catheterization

radial, brachial, axillary, femoral

Arterial puncture vs cardiac intervention

Arterial puncture: uses mainly femoral artery, quick access, usually for arterial blood sample

Cardiac Intervention: uses mainly radial artery, threaded all the way to heart, used to visualize and treat heart conditions

6 steps to the seldinger technique

1-insertion of compound needle

2-Placement of needle in lumen of vessel (hollow space)

3-Insert guidewire

4-removal of needle

5-thread catheter to area of interest

6-removal of guidewire

What's an advantage to digital angiography

ability to preform digital subtraction angiography (DSA)