Angiography

Angiography is a medical imaging procedure used to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs, particularly the arteries, veins, and heart chambers. During angiography, a contrast dye is injected into the bloodstream, making the blood vessels visible on X-ray images. The procedure is often performed to diagnose conditions such as blockages, aneurysms, and other vascular abnormalities. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or arm, and guiding it to the area of interest. Angiography is typically performed under local anesthesia and sometimes sedation, with patients often able to go home the same day. This procedure is critical for planning treatments such as angioplasty, stent placement, or surgery, and it provides detailed and accurate images that help in making precise medical decisions.