koronarografiaa

Koronarografia, or coronary angiography, is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries. It involves introducing a catheter through a peripheral artery, most commonly the radial or femoral artery, and guiding it to the aorta where the coronary arteries originate. Iodinated contrast dye is injected through the catheter, and X-ray fluoroscopy creates images that show the patency and anatomy of the coronary vessels. The examination may include selective imaging of the left and right coronary systems and can be combined with assessments of heart chamber pressures or left ventricular function.

Indications for koronarografia include evaluation of chest pain or suspected ischemia when noninvasive tests are inconclusive, assessment of known or suspected coronary artery disease, and planning of revascularization strategies such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). It is also used to evaluate graft patency after bypass surgery or to identify anomalous coronary anatomy.

During the procedure, patients are typically awake but sedated. After access via the radial or femoral artery, contrast dye is injected and real-time images are obtained. The procedure is diagnostic and may be paired with therapeutic interventions (PCI) if a treatable lesion is found. Post-procedure care includes monitoring for access-site complications and assessing kidney function, with radial access often allowing earlier ambulation than femoral access.

Risks include bleeding or hematoma at the access site, arterial injury, infection, allergic reaction to contrast, contrast-induced nephropathy, stroke, and, rarely, myocardial infarction. Radiation exposure is also a consideration.