Angiography Techniques

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Intro & Seldinger - Piercing Vessels

  • Angiography: Radiographic visualization of vessel lumen using iodinated contrast.
    • Purpose: Diagnostic (e.g., identify stenosis, aneurysm, AVM, bleed) & Therapeutic (e.g., angioplasty, stenting, embolization).
  • Indications:
    • Vascular stenosis/occlusion, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), trauma, gastrointestinal (GI) bleed.
  • Contraindications:
    • Absolute: Patient refusal, infection at puncture site.
    • Relative: Severe coagulopathy (INR >1.5), renal insufficiency (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²), severe contrast allergy.
  • Seldinger Technique: Core method for safe percutaneous vascular access.

Seldinger technique steps for vascular access

⭐ Most common arterial access for angiography is the common femoral artery (CFA), ideally puncturing the artery over the femoral head to allow for effective compression.

Tools & Contrast - Wires, Tubes, Dyes

  • Guidewires: Navigate vessels, support catheters.
    • Types: J-tip (tortuous vessels), angled (selective), stiff (support).
    • Sizes: 0.014"-0.038".
  • Catheters: Deliver contrast/medications.
    • Types: Pigtail (flush), Cobra/Simmons (selective).
    • Sizes: 4-7 Fr.
  • Sheaths: Vascular access, protect vessel. Size: 1-2 Fr > catheter.
  • Contrast Media (Dyes):
    • Iodinated: Non-ionic Low/Iso-osmolar (LOCM/IOCM) preferred (↓ CIN risk).
    • CO2: Alternative for renal failure/allergy.
    • Gadolinium: MRA; risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF).

⭐ J-tipped guidewires are preferred for navigating tortuous vessels as their flexible tip minimizes the risk of subintimal dissection or vessel perforation.

Procedures & DSA - Imaging Insides

  • Angiography: Invasive X-ray of vessel lumen via catheter; uses iodinated contrast.
  • Common Procedures & Indications:
    • Cerebral: Aneurysms, AVMs, stenosis, stroke eval.
    • Coronary: CAD (gold standard), pre-PTCA/stent.
    • Peripheral: PAD, renal/mesenteric ischemia, GI bleed.
  • Access Routes (Seldinger Technique):
    • Common Femoral Artery (CFA): Standard.
    • Radial Artery: ↑Coronary use, ↓complications.
    • Brachial Artery: Alternative access.
  • Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA):
    • Principle: Digital subtraction of pre-contrast mask from contrast images.
    • Advantages: Superior vessel clarity, removes bone/tissue, real-time.

    ⭐ Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) significantly improves vessel visualization by digitally subtracting a pre-contrast mask image from subsequent contrast-filled images, effectively removing overlying bony structures and soft tissues. DSA technique steps: subtraction, reconstruction, fusion

Complications & Care - Angio Aftermath

  • Puncture Site Complications:
    • Hematoma (most common)
    • Pseudoaneurysm (pulsatile mass, bruit)
    • AV Fistula (thrill, bruit)
    • Arterial Thrombosis/Occlusion (↓ pulse, 📌 5 P's: Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paresthesia, Paralysis)
    • Dissection
    • Infection (rare)
  • Systemic Complications:
    • Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN): monitor renal function, ensure hydration.
    • Allergic Reactions: mild (urticaria) to severe (anaphylaxis).
    • Embolism: cholesterol, air, thrombus.
    • Vasovagal reaction.
  • Post-Procedure Care:
    • Bed rest: 4-6 hours (femoral).
    • Monitor: vitals, puncture site (bleeding, hematoma), distal pulses.
    • Hydration: oral/IV.
    • Report: pain, numbness, swelling. Femoral artery access site for angiography

⭐ The most common complication following femoral artery catheterization is a puncture site hematoma; risk is increased in hypertensive or anticoagulated patients.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Seldinger technique is fundamental for arterial access.
  • Catheter types vary by target: Judkins (coronary), Pigtail (aorta/ventricles), Cobra (visceral).
  • DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography) enhances vessel imaging by subtracting background.
  • Femoral artery is the most common access; radial artery offers fewer complications.
  • Key complications include hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).
  • Non-ionic contrast media are preferred over ionic due to lower osmolality and toxicity.

Practice Questions: Angiography Techniques

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Among the following arteries, which is dissected most frequently during angiography performed via the femoral route?

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Flashcards: Angiography Techniques

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Contrast used in CT is _____

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Contrast used in CT is _____

Iodine

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