Angiogram
Angiogram Procedure: Medical Overview and Steps
An angiogram, also known as an angiography or arteriography, is a medical imaging procedure that uses X-rays and a contrast dye to visualize blood vessels, such as arteries and veins, in various parts of the body. It is commonly used to diagnose and evaluate conditions affecting blood vessels, such as blockages, aneurysms, and vascular malformations.
Procedure Steps:
Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient’s medical history is reviewed, and any allergies, medications, or existing medical conditions are assessed. Blood tests may be performed to evaluate kidney function before using the contrast dye.
Informed Consent: The patient receives information about the procedure, its purpose, potential risks, and benefits. Informed consent is obtained, ensuring the patient’s understanding and agreement.
Numbing the Area: A local anesthetic is applied to the area where the catheter (thin, flexible tube) will be inserted. In some cases, a larger artery may require general or regional anesthesia.
Insertion of Catheter: A small incision is made at the entry site (commonly in the groin or arm). The catheter is then guided through the blood vessels using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging).
Contrast Injection: A contrast dye is injected through the catheter into the blood vessels being examined. The dye is visible on X-ray images and helps visualize the blood vessels’ structure, size, and any abnormalities.
X-ray Imaging: As the contrast dye moves through the blood vessels, X-ray images are captured. These images provide detailed information about the blood flow and the condition of the blood vessels.
Navigation and Multiple Views: The catheter can be maneuvered to different locations to capture images from various angles and views. This helps the healthcare provider thoroughly assess the blood vessels.
Completion and Catheter Removal: Once the necessary images are obtained, the catheter is gently removed, and pressure is applied to the entry site to prevent bleeding. Sometimes, a small closure device or sutures are used to close the incision.
Recovery and Observation: The patient is closely monitored for a period after the procedure to ensure there are no complications, such as bleeding or allergic reactions to the contrast dye.
References:
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Angiogram. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/angiogram/about/pac-20384761
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). (2020). Angiography (Arteriography). RadiologyInfo. Retrieved from https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=angio
American Heart Association. (2021). Angiogram (Angiography). Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/angiogram-angiography
MedlinePlus. (2021). Angiogram. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003833.htm
Society of Interventional Radiology. (2021). Angiography. Retrieved from https://www.sirweb.org/patient-center/angiography/
Please note that angiogram procedures may vary depending on the specific clinical situation and the healthcare provider’s preferences. Always consult with qualified medical professionals for personalized advice and information regarding angiography procedures.
Below are eight Cardiologists that can assist with Angiogram Medical Procedure
Dr Chevaan Hendrickse
Interventional Cardiologist
- Phone:021 637 8218 / 021 637 8219
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Farai Russell Sigauke
Cardiologist
- Phone:021 110 5147
- Email:Website form
Dr Vinod Thomas
Cardiologist & Cardiac Electrophysiologist
- Phone:021 000 2367
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Laurence J Disler
Cardiologist
- Phone:011 485 4815
- Email:Website form
Dr Deseta
Specialist Physician-Cardiologist
- Phone:011 482 3315/6
- Email:[email protected]
Dr. John Benjamin
Cardiologist
- Phone:(011) 883-3460
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Ashandren Naicker
Specialist Cardiologist and Interventionalist
- Phone:+27 31 204 1610 / +27 31 537 4000
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Johan Jordaan
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
- Phone:+27 (0)51 522 0051
- Email:[email protected]
Medical Aids that cover Angiogram Medical Procedure
🔎 Provider | ▶️ Covers Angiogram | ⏩ Top Plan Covering Angiogram |
🥇 Bestmed | ✅ Yes | Beat 3 |
🥈 Bonitas | ✅ Yes | BonEssential |
🥉 Cape Medical | ✅ Yes | HealthPact Select |
🏅 CompCare | ✅ Yes | DYNAMIX |
🎖️ Discovery Health | ✅ Yes | Discovery Health Classic Delta Core |
🏆 FedHealth | ✅ Yes | FlexiFED 2 |
🥇 Genesis | ✅ Yes | Med 200 PLUS |
🥈 Sizwe Hosmed | ✅ Yes | Platinum Enhanced |
🥉 KeyHealth | ✅ Yes | Gold |
🏅 Makoti Medical | ✅ Yes | Comprehensive Option |
🎖️ Medihelp | ✅ Yes | MedElite |
🏆 Medimed | ✅ Yes | Alpha |
🥇 MedShield | ✅ Yes | PremiumPlus |
🥈 Momentum | ✅ Yes | Extender |
🥉 Suremed | ✅ Yes | Shuttle |
🏅 Thebemed | ✅ Yes | Fantasy |