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What Is An Angiogram?

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Posted on Fri, 7 Oct 2016
Question: I am scheduled to have an angiogram. Dr. indicates possible PTCA also. What is it?
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Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Investigation and management for blocked coronary arteries

Detailed Answer:
Hi friend
Welcome to Health Care Magic

      Angiogram is an investigation. A small catheter is introduced from a peripheral artery into the coronary artery (blood vessel of the heart). Small amounts of contrast (dye) are injected and the vessel is visualised in several angles. It will detect blocks – its presence, location, extent, its severity and feasibility of intervention. Subsequently, the catheter is introduced into the left ventricle (lower heart chamber) and its function is assessed – wall motion, ejection fraction, pressure, saturation are all documented. It is the only way to directly ‘see’ the block / it is the gold standard against which all other investigations are compared.
     The aim of any investigation is to modify the treatment, based on the result. Intervention – dilatation of the narrowing with balloon at the tip of a catheter to widen it and placing a stent (Angioplasty) – is done at or after the procedure – to ensure patency of the vessel. If it is not technically feasible, a CABG may be necessary (Surgery - Coronary Artery Bypass Graft).

Good luck
God bless you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (25 minutes later)
Did not answer what PTCA means...indicated as a possibility during or after angiogram. Thank you. Please reply
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL CORONARY

Detailed Answer:
Hi

PTCA is abbreviated form - PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY
Already explained in the first line of the second paragraph > Intervention – dilatation of the narrowing with balloon at the tip of a catheter to widen it and placing a stent (Angioplasty)

Regards
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Anantharamakrishnan

Cardiologist

Practicing since :1966

Answered : 4505 Questions

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What Is An Angiogram?

Brief Answer: Investigation and management for blocked coronary arteries Detailed Answer: Hi friend Welcome to Health Care Magic Angiogram is an investigation. A small catheter is introduced from a peripheral artery into the coronary artery (blood vessel of the heart). Small amounts of contrast (dye) are injected and the vessel is visualised in several angles. It will detect blocks – its presence, location, extent, its severity and feasibility of intervention. Subsequently, the catheter is introduced into the left ventricle (lower heart chamber) and its function is assessed – wall motion, ejection fraction, pressure, saturation are all documented. It is the only way to directly ‘see’ the block / it is the gold standard against which all other investigations are compared. The aim of any investigation is to modify the treatment, based on the result. Intervention – dilatation of the narrowing with balloon at the tip of a catheter to widen it and placing a stent (Angioplasty) – is done at or after the procedure – to ensure patency of the vessel. If it is not technically feasible, a CABG may be necessary (Surgery - Coronary Artery Bypass Graft). Good luck God bless you