Coronary Angiography

Definitive Diagnosis & Gold-Standard Assessment

Coronary angiography is a diagnostic method in which the coronary arteries are imaged using a special contrast agent. Through a thin catheter advanced via the wrist or leg artery, the heart vessels are reached and evaluated.

This method is the gold standard diagnostic technique used to evaluate narrowing and blockages in the coronary arteries that supply the heart. Guided by contrast dye and X-rays, detailed images of the vessels are captured to determine the most suitable treatment path.

Indications for Angiography

• Patients experiencing chest tightness, burning, or pain radiating to the left arm.
• Those with suspicious vascular narrowing findings on a stress test, ECG, echocardiography, or virtual CT angiography.
• Patients presenting with an ongoing heart attack or who have a recent history of cardiac events.

Angiography Application Steps

1. 01
   Step 1

   Access Point Numbing

   The wrist (radial) artery is preferred for patient comfort. Local anesthetic is applied to numb the area, and a thin plastic sheath is introduced into the artery.

2. 02
   Step 2

   Arterial Imaging

   Catheters are guided through the sheath to the coronary openings. Contrast dye is injected, and video X-rays (angiograms) are recorded to locate narrowings.

3. 03
   Step 3

   Sheath Removal & Discharge

   Once complete, the sheath is removed. A compression band is secured around the wrist for hemostasis. The patient can usually be discharged to go home after 2-4 hours of rest.

Wrist Angiography (Radial Angiography)

Wrist angiography is a highly safe and comfortable coronary angiography method performed by accessing the cardiac vessels through the radial artery in the wrist. It maximizes patient comfort compared to the traditional groin approach.

Wrist vs. Groin (Femoral) Angiography

While the traditional groin approach carries higher risks of complications such as bleeding, swelling, vascular ballooning (pseudoaneurysm), or vessel damage, these risks are minimal in wrist angiography (less than 1 in 1000). Furthermore, while groin angiography requires patients to lie flat with heavy sandbags on their groin for hours, radial angiography eliminates sandbags and allows patients to walk immediately.

What are the Advantages?

• Immediate Mobilization: Immediately after the procedure, you can walk to your bed, sit up to eat, and go to the bathroom independently.
• No Sandbags Required: Instead of heavy sandbags that force you to lie flat and motionless, a small wrist band is used.
• Discharge in 1-2 Hours: Unless your physician advises otherwise, you can be discharged within 1 to 2 hours to return to your daily routine.

Who is it Suitable For?

Wrist angiography can be successfully performed in almost all patients who have healthy circulation in both wrist arteries. It is particularly ideal for patients with groin blockages, overweight (obese) individuals, and those who struggle to lie flat for long periods due to spine or hernia conditions.

Post-Procedure Care

For the first 24 to 48 hours following the procedure, avoid lifting heavy loads or straining the accessed wrist. Drinking plenty of water to eliminate the contrast dye and keeping the wound clean and dry will ensure rapid healing.

Key Benefits of Angiography

FAQ About Angiography