Angiocardiography

Angiocardiography is a method of surgical examination of the heart and blood vessels using X-ray images during angiography. It is a complex invasive diagnostic tool. Its essence lies in the fact that radiosensitive substances are injected into the arteries and veins of the heart, then it is necessary to perform an x-ray using additional materials. As a result, the state of the heart organs, blood circulation is revealed, and pathological foci are determined. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional x-rays of the heart are used for diagnosis.

Angiocardiography is an instrumental method for studying the heart using an X-ray beam, based on filling the coronary arteries with a radiocontrast substance. Angiocardiography is a type of ECG. If an ECG records the electrical activity of the heart, then angiocardiography demonstrates the condition of the vessels supplying the heart. It differs from a regular electrocardiogram in that it visualizes the arteries and chambers of the heart. The angiocardiography method is used to assess the blood supply to the heart, determine the degree of stenosis of coronary arteries, or diagnose myocardial infarction. When performing angiography, a radiopaque substance is used to clearly visualize the coronary vessels.

Stages of research. X-ray surgery is performed with the patient in a horizontal position. First, special sedation is performed to avoid motor reflexes in the person. Sedation is carried out using tranquilizers and muscle relaxants. The doctor fills the cavities of the heart with a solution of liquid that contrasts with the X-ray beam, but does not linger in the body: from solid contrast to preparations containing iodine. Air is also used as a liquid solution. This increases the visualization of arterial walls in sections. A series of images are then taken and interpreted by a radiologist. It evaluates the size of visible vessels, the characteristics of diastole and systole, compares the data obtained with each other, and analyzes them. Interpretation of the results obtained and presentation of them to the patient lies within the competence of the cardiovascular surgeon and, for the most part, is carried out either by auscultation of the operating monitor, or through written and audio messages. The doctor explains in detail the essence of each image, explains how it relates to the description of the previous image. The entire procedure can take up to 40 minutes, depending on the complexity of the study and the anatomical characteristics of the patient.