Angiography is a diagnostic tool to see the clear picture of blood vessels. In angiography, X-rays are used to check the blood vessels. In normal x-ray, blood vessels are not visible clearly so angiography is a special type of procedure that is specifically used to see inside the blood vessels. In angiography procedure, a special kind of color dye is used to inject blood vessels to make them more visible. Then the highlighted blood vessels can be clearly seen on angiography procedure. Angiography is used to diagnose the diseases that specifically affect the blood vessels and is not clearly seen in any other diagnostic tool or test. It is helpful in making treatment plans for such types of diseases and managing them in time. Although angiography is a very safe procedure to be performed, it still carries some risks and complications along with it. Sometimes it can lead to more serious complications if the procedure is not performed with skill. Angiography has many types that are named according to the area in which it is being performed. Apart from x-rays, angiography can also be done with other scans like MRI and CT Scan and then they are termed as MRI angiography and CT angiography respectively. Angiography for the eyes is a different type of procedure and is not like the angiography of other parts of the body.
Some of the types of angiography are as follows:
This type of angiography is used to check the blood vessels in the brain. The diseases which involve the blood vessels of the brain are usually diagnosed with this type of angiography.
This type of angiography is used to examine the blood vessels that supply the muscles of the heart. Any blockage of these blood vessels can be detected by using coronary angiography.
This type of angiography focuses on blood vessels in the arms and legs. This procedure detects diseases in the arteries of arms and legs like blood clotting or obstructions of blood vessels.
Pulmonary angiography I used to observe blood vessels in the lung. It is effective in diagnosing conditions like blood clots blocking the artery or assessing blood flow in the lungs.
This angiography concentrates on kidney blood vessels. This method evaluates kidney health, and blood circulation, and detects issues like narrowing of the arteries of the kidney.
This technique examines blood vessels within the abdomen, including those supplying the liver, spleen, and other organs.
The aorta is the primary artery originating from the heart. The examination of the aorta is known as aortography. It helps in diagnosing aortic swelling and other conditions related to aorta.
This technique checks the veins instead of the arteries. It often helps in diagnosing problems like blood clots in the deep veins of legs or twisted veins due to damage to their walls.
Here is a general overview of the procedure of angiography:
Anesthesia: the patient is administered anesthesia at the part where the catheter is inserted to limit the feeling of pain and discomfort.
Catheter Insertion: A small, thin tube is gently placed into a blood vessel, usually in the wrist, or arm of the patient.
Contrast Dye: A special dye is injected through the catheter. This dye helps the blood vessels show up clearly on X-ray images.
X-ray Pictures: X-ray images are taken as the dye moves through the blood vessels of the patient.
Monitoring: The heart rate and blood pressure are watched closely during the procedure. And if there is any major change, then it should be managed in time.
Catheter Removal: Once the images of blood vessels are taken, the catheter is gently removed.
Review and Diagnosis: The X-ray images are used to diagnose the disease of the blood vessels of a patient, if present.
The cost of angiography in India ranges from 200 USD to 3500 USD. The cost can vary according to the type of blood vessels involved in the procedure. For example, the cost of angiography of the heart and brain is more expensive than the angiography of the legs and arms.
Treatment Cost in India | Min in USD | Max in USD |
Angiography | 159 USD | 213 USD |
Coronary Angioplasty | 2131 USD | 2841 USD |
Coronary Artery Surgery | 2664 USD | 3552 USD |
Cerebral Angioplasty | 2397 USD | 3196 USD |
Some of the indications of angiography are as follows:
Some of the risk factors associated with angiography are as follows:
Some of the patients have allergic reactions to the dye used in the procedure of angiography. They may experience some mild to moderate skin reactions.
In some cases, the contrast dye that is used in angiography can affect kidney function. It is more common in people with already existing kidney problems.
There is a risk of bleeding or collection of blood outside blood vessels at the site where the catheter was inserted. The excess bleeding may require a blood transfusion.
There is a risk of infection at the insertion site. The infection can spread to the whole body and may complicate the condition of the patient.
In some cases, the catheter insertion can damage blood vessels which can lead to severe complications.
In some cases, there can be a risk of brain or heart attack, especially in individuals with underlying heart or vascular conditions of the brain.
The checking of blood vessels during the procedure can dislodge the blood clots within the blood vessels. The blood clots can travel to other parts of the body and create complications.
Some individuals may experience irregular heart rhythms during or after the procedure. This can disturb the function of the heart and can change the blood supply to the body.
In rare cases, if angiography is performed with poor skills, the catheter may puncture an organ and it can lead to life-threatening conditions.
Shaping the future of the healthcare institution and establishing the path to accomplishment.
Empower your Health with the Expertise of Leading Medical Professionals.
Dr Sushant Srivastava Cardiovascular Surgeon
Department of Cardiology
Senior Director
Book AppointmentGuiding your Journey from Discovery to Treatment Planning and Beyond.
Discovery
Get a consultation to discover about your treatment
Pre-Treatment
Admission to the best hospital and all pre-treatment facilities
Post Treatment
Get post-treatment follow-up care with medicine fulfillment
Treatment Planning
Hassle-free treatment planning with package & cost estimations
in-treatment
world-class quality procedures and equipment for treatment