A Coronary Angiogram is a test that uses x-ray imaging and contrast dye to view the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that deliver blood to the muscle of the heart.
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During this procedure, a guidewire is carefully inserted into the femoral artery through a small incision in the patient’s upper thigh. This wire is then guided up into the heart.A long, thin, tube with a specialized tip, called a cardiac catheter, is then inserted along the guidewire into the heart. The guidewire is removed and then the catheter is positioned in the opening of a coronary artery. While x-ray images are taken, contrast dye is injected into the coronary artery. Blockages in the artery show up as areas of narrowing.
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If the coronary arteries are blocked, an angioplasty or stenting may be performed to open the narrowed arteries. The catheter is removed from the body when the procedure is finished.