Angiography and Angioplasty

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Vascular Ventures - Mapping & Mending

  • Angiography: Diagnostic X-ray imaging of blood vessels using injected contrast to visualize lumen & pathology.
    • Access: Seldinger technique (common femoral, radial, brachial artery).
    • Contrast: Iodinated (e.g., Iohexol), CO2 (renal impairment/allergy), Gadolinium (MR Angio; caution: NSF).
    • Indications: Atherosclerosis (PAD, CAD), aneurysms, AVMs, stenosis, thrombosis, GI bleeds, trauma.
    • Complications: Puncture site (hematoma, pseudoaneurysm), contrast reactions/nephropathy (CIN), dissection, embolism.
  • Angioplasty (PTA): Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty; therapeutic procedure to widen stenosed/occluded vessels.
    • Methods: Balloon dilation ± Stent (Bare Metal Stent - BMS; Drug-Eluting Stent - DES).
    • Indications: Symptomatic PAD (claudication, critical limb ischemia), CAD, renal artery stenosis, dialysis fistula/graft stenosis.
    • Complications: Restenosis (higher with BMS), dissection, thrombosis, perforation, distal embolization. Femoral artery and vein anatomy for vascular access

⭐ Drug-Eluting Stents (DES) elute antiproliferative drugs (e.g., sirolimus, paclitaxel) to reduce neointimal hyperplasia and in-stent restenosis rates compared to Bare-Metal Stents (BMS).

Toolkit & Tactics - The Interventional Arsenal

  • Access & Navigation:
    • Needles: Micropuncture, standard (e.g., 18G).
    • Sheaths: Vascular access, side-port for flush/contrast. Sizes in French (Fr).
    • Guidewires: Core (stainless steel, nitinol), coating (hydrophilic, PTFE), tip (J, angled). 📌 CST: Core, Surface, Tip. Common diameters: 0.035", 0.018", 0.014".
    • Catheters:
      • Diagnostic: Pigtail (aortogram), Cobra, Simmons, H1 (selective).
      • Guide: Larger lumen for device delivery.
  • Therapeutic Devices:
    • Balloons (PTA): Nylon/PET. Compliant vs. Non-compliant. Rated Burst Pressure (RBP).
    • Stents:
      • Types: Balloon-expandable, Self-expanding.
      • Material: Bare Metal (BMS), Drug-Eluting (DES), Covered (stent-grafts).

⭐ Guidewire selection is key: 0.035 inch for general angiography/intervention, 0.018 inch for smaller vessels/some interventions, and 0.014 inch for coronary/tibial/fine work.

Angioplasty and stenting procedure

Image Insights & Interventions - Decoding & Deploying

  • Angiography Decoding:
    • Stenosis: % diameter reduction (e.g., <50%, 50-70%, >70%), length, morphology.
    • Aneurysms: Saccular, fusiform; Pseudoaneurysms (contained rupture).
    • Dissections: Intimal flap, true/false lumen. Critical for aorta, carotids.
    • Thrombus: Filling defect (acute vs. chronic).
    • Collaterals: Indicate chronic occlusion.
    • Vasospasm: Reversible narrowing.
  • Interventional Deployment:
    • PTA: Balloon dilation of stenosis.
    • Stenting:
      • BMS (Bare Metal Stent).
      • DES (Drug-Eluting Stent): Releases antiproliferative drug.
      • Covered Stents: For perforations, pseudoaneurysms.
    • Atherectomy: Plaque removal (rotational, laser).
    • Thrombectomy/Thrombolysis: Clot removal / dissolution (tPA).
    • Embolization: Coils, particles for bleeding/AVMs.

    ⭐ Drug-Eluting Stents (DES) show significantly lower rates of in-stent restenosis (typically <10%) compared to Bare Metal Stents (BMS) (typically 20-30%). DSA showing iliac artery stenosis pre and post angioplasty

Safety Nets & Sequels - Managing Mishaps

  • Pre-Procedure Essentials:
    • Informed consent.
    • Coagulation: INR < 1.5, Platelets > 50,000/µL.
    • Renal function: eGFR > 30 mL/min/1.73m² (or premedicate).
    • Allergy hx (contrast). Prophylaxis if needed.
  • Complications & Initial Management:
    • Access Site:
      • Hematoma: Manual/mechanical compression.
      • Pseudoaneurysm: USG-guided thrombin injection.
      • AV fistula, Dissection, Thrombosis.
    • Contrast:
      • CIN: Pre & post-hydration. ⚠️ Risk ↑ with dehydration, pre-existing renal disease.
      • Allergic reaction: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, epinephrine.
    • Systemic/Vascular:
      • Distal embolization: Aspiration/thrombolysis.
      • Vessel perforation: Covered stent, coil embolization.
  • Key Contraindications:
    • Uncorrectable coagulopathy.
    • Severe contrast allergy (no premedication).
    • Active infection/sepsis.

⭐ Groin hematoma is the most common complication following femoral artery access for angiography.

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High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Seldinger technique is fundamental for arterial access.
  • Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) provides real-time imaging by subtracting pre-contrast images.
  • Angioplasty uses balloons to dilate stenosed vessels; stents maintain long-term patency.
  • Key indications: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), renal artery stenosis, AV fistula/graft dysfunction.
  • Major complications: Hemorrhage, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, arterial dissection, contrast nephropathy.
  • Drug-eluting balloons and stents are crucial for reducing restenosis rates.
  • Transradial access often preferred for fewer bleeding complications than transfemoral access.
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Angiography and Angioplasty - Free Indian Medical PG Review