What is coronary angiography?
Coronary angiography is a painless, non-invasive diagnostic test for the visualization of the coronary arteries. It is a method that has been widely used worldwide for about a decade to screen mainly presymptomatic patients. Asymptomatic patients with increased risk factors for coronary artery disease, with questionable results from other cardiac screening or a compromised family history, and in case of suspected coronary artery abnormalities may benefit from CT coronary angiography. The examination is also useful in preoperative screening (major surgeries, TAVI, etc.).
How is the examination performed?
After detailed patient information and special preparation, the examination is performed on a modern CT scanner before and after bolus intravenous administration of iodinated contrast agent. During the examination, an X-ray source will rotate around the patient’s body, taking multiple transverse images of the cardiovascular formation. Then, with the help of advanced programs (Software), the coronary vessels will be visualized and three-dimensional images will be created, which are necessary for a better assessment of the anatomy. Each scan of the cardiovascular formation performed on the CT scanner takes a few seconds. The entire process, including the examination, preparation and information of the patient, does not take more than 30 minutes.