A procedure performed on the vessels in the heart is known as Coronary Angioplasty and Coronary Angiography. 'Angio' in Greek refers to blood vessels, and ‘plasty’ refers to the process of forming.
Angioplasty refers to formation or repair of the affected blood vessel. ‘Gram’ in Angiogram refers to a measure in Latin. So, Angiogram refers to analysis or recording the condition of blood vessels.
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Angiography or Coronary Angiogram is a process where X-rays are used to study the condition of blood vessels in the arms, chest, or head. Any obstruction of the blood vessels is identified, recorded and reported to the consulting Cardiologist / Doctor. Pregnant women and people with a history of asthma, kidney problems and diabetes are not considered for Angiogram.
How angiography is done
The angiogram is performed by placing a catheter in an artery or vein to be reviewed. An iodine dye is injected into the artery, which allows an x-ray to view the exact site of any blockage or tear in an artery. The results from angiogram can be viewed on traditional x-ray films, and with new technology, they can also be viewed as digital pictures.
What is Angioplasty?
An angioplasty is a procedure of opening any obstructed vessels with a balloon catheter, which is inflated to reopen the blocked vessel. Often, an angioplasty stent is inserted to keep the vessel open and ensure proper blood flow.
Angioplasty is not considered the proper treatment for someone who is suffering from multiple blocked vessels or arteries; instead, doctors prefer to use open heart surgery (angioplasty surgery). People who have suffered minor strokes and heart attacks are prime candidates for both procedures to be done.
Angioplasty procedure
Angioplasty is done with a catheter by entering it through the skin and into an artery in the general location of the blockage. At the end of the catheter is a small balloon which is inflated to stretch the artery back to its original size and push the blockage through.
After the procedure is completed another angiogram is done to ensure that the blockage is cleared and that there are no other problems to address.
Follow up appointments are needed to ensure the artery does not become blocked further down from the same fat that made the first one.
While the two procedures are similar in helping arterial and vessel blockages, they are different in what they do. An angiogram is finding the source of the problem, and an angioplasty is repairing and restoring the problem.
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Angiogram are the medical recording and analysis of a potential blood vessel which is not working properly. Angioplasty is the process of unblocking a clogged or blocked blood vessel or artery.
Angiogram are performed with a specialized x-ray machine and iodine, and an angioplasty is done with a balloon catheter.
Both procedures use a catheter to reach the site of any problem, however, one injects iodine and the other has a balloon angioplasty on the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Angiography is a diagnostic imaging technique for visualizing blood vessels, while angioplasty is a therapeutic procedure for opening narrowed or blocked vessels.
During an angiography, blood arteries are injected with a contrast dye, and X-ray pictures are taken. During an angioplasty, a catheter with a balloon is inserted into the narrowed conduit, the balloon is inflated to widen the vessel, and frequently a stent is placed.
Angiography typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, and angioplasty usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.
Recovery from angiography is generally short, often allowing same-day discharge. Recovery from angioplasty is more prolonged, typically requiring a hospital stay of one to two days.
Angiography usually requires mild sedation, and angioplasty requires moderate to deep sedation or anesthesia.
Stents are not used in angiography. In angioplasty, stents are often placed to keep the artery open after the balloon is deflated.