coronairangiografie

Coronairangiografie, commonly called coronary angiography, is an invasive imaging procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries. A radiopaque contrast agent is injected through a catheter positioned in the coronary arteries, and X-ray fluoroscopy provides images of the arterial lumen. It is the gold standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease and for planning treatment such as percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting.

Procedure: The procedure is typically performed via arterial access in the groin or wrist. After local anesthesia, a catheter is guided into the aorta and into the left and/or right coronary arteries. Contrast is injected to obtain angiographic images from multiple angles. Often, left and right heart structures can be evaluated, and adjunct techniques such as quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) or intravascular imaging may be used.

Indications include evaluation of chest pain or abnormal stress tests, assessment of known or suspected coronary artery disease, preoperative risk stratification, and guidance for PCI or CABG. It may be performed as a diagnostic procedure or in conjunction with interventional treatment.

Risks include vascular injury, bleeding, infection, contrast allergy, contrast-induced nephropathy, stroke, heart attack, and radiation exposure. Benefits include precise anatomical information that guides treatment; complications are relatively uncommon in experienced centers.

Aftercare: Patients are observed for several hours following the examination. Hydration helps protect kidney function, and kidney status is monitored in at-risk individuals. Most patients recover quickly, with discharge after a short hospital stay when no complications occur.