cineangiograms

Cineangiography is a medical imaging technique used to visualize blood flow within blood vessels and organs. It is a type of fluoroscopy, which uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images. During a cineangiogram, a contrast dye, which is visible under X-ray, is injected into the bloodstream. As the dye travels through the vessels, the X-ray machine captures a series of images that are recorded as a movie. This allows physicians to observe the dynamic nature of blood flow, identify blockages, narrowings, aneurysms, or other abnormalities.

The procedure typically involves inserting a catheter, a thin, flexible tube, into a blood vessel, often in the groin or arm. The catheter is then guided to the area of interest. Once in position, the contrast dye is injected through the catheter, and the X-ray imaging begins. Cineangiography is commonly used in cardiology to examine the coronary arteries, assess heart valve function, and evaluate congenital heart defects. It is also employed in neurology to visualize the blood vessels in the brain and in radiology to study other vascular systems throughout the body. The real-time nature of cineangiography provides crucial information about the speed, direction, and pattern of blood flow, aiding in diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions.