Coronary angiography (catheter examination of the coronary arteries)
Coronary angiography is a special form of X-ray examination in which the coronary arteries are visualized. In this examination, a contrast agent is injected into the coronary arteries via a cardiac catheter and visualized using X-rays.
The examination is performed under local anesthesia with the patient awake. General anesthesia is not necessary. As a rule, access is via a small puncture in the forearm artery (radial access) or the right inguinal artery (fermoral access).
Analysis As a prerequisite for therapy decision
Coronary angiography makes it possible to localize constrictions or occlusions of the coronary arteries and to quantify the extent of the changes.
Imaging and analysis of the vascular changes is a prerequisite for the therapeutic decision as to whether coronary arteries can be dilated or reopened using a balloon (PCI) or whether bypass surgery is necessary.
Despite advances in imaging techniques (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or echocardiography), coronary angiography remains the most important method for analyzing the coronary vessels.
The risk of serious complications during cardiac catheterization is less than 1%.
Your contacts for coronary angiography
Roberto Corti
Interventional Cardiology