Röntgenangiograafia

Röntgenangiograafia is a medical imaging technique used to visualize blood vessels. It is a specialized type of X-ray imaging that involves injecting a contrast agent into the bloodstream. This contrast agent, which is opaque to X-rays, highlights the blood vessels, allowing them to be seen clearly on an X-ray image. The procedure is typically performed by a radiologist or an interventional radiologist.

The process usually begins with the administration of a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted. A small incision is made, and a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is threaded through an artery or vein, guided to the specific blood vessel being examined. Once in place, the contrast agent is injected through the catheter. As the contrast material flows through the vessels, a series of X-ray images are taken in rapid succession. These images are often recorded as a movie, allowing for dynamic visualization of blood flow and any abnormalities.

Röntgenangiograafia is used to diagnose a variety of conditions affecting blood vessels, including aneurysms, blockages (stenosis or occlusion), malformations, and bleeding. It can also be used therapeutically to treat certain vascular problems, such as opening narrowed arteries with angioplasty or closing off abnormal blood vessels with embolization. While generally safe, potential risks include allergic reactions to the contrast agent, bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site, and in rare cases, damage to the blood vessel.