What is Right Heart Ventricular Angiography?
Right Heart Ventricular Angiography is an imaging procedure used to study the anatomy of the right ventricle and its related structures. It is a radiologic examination in which a contrast medium (iodine-containing solution) is injected into the right ventricle and X-rays are taken to create a detailed image of the heart’s right side.
Why is Right Heart Ventricular Angiography performed?
This test is used to study any signs and symptoms, such as palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It can also detect abnormalities in the right ventricle due to coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and other heart conditions.
When is Right Heart Ventricular Angiography recommended?
This procedure is recommended in certain cases when other imaging techniques, such as echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart) and stress tests, are not able to provide useful information. Some of the indications for Right Heart Ventricular Angiography include:
- Suspected ventricular septal defect or other congenital heart defects
- Evaluation of coronary artery disease
- Evaluation of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or other diseases of the valve
- Evaluation of chest pain or palpitations
- Evaluation of an enlarged or hypertrophied right ventricle
Preparation for Right Heart Ventricular Angiography
Before performing the procedure, the patient will need to follow any instructions given by the doctor. He or she may be asked to take certain medications (diuretics, aspirin or anticoagulants, etc.) before the test. The patient will also need to fast for at least 8 hours before the test and may be asked to refrain from drinking and eating. He or she may be requested to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before the test.
Right Heart Ventricular Angiography Procedure
Right Heart Ventricular Angiography is usually done in a hospital. The patient will be asked to lie down on an X-ray table and will be given local anaesthetic to numb the area. The nurse or doctor will insert a small tube (catheter) into the right side of the heart and carefully inject the contrast material. The tube will also be used to take X-rays. The procedure usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Types of Right Heart Ventricular Angiography
There are two types of Right Heart Ventricular Angiography:
- Doppler ultrasound: It is the most common type of Right Heart Ventricular Angiography used to detect blood flow through the right ventricle. It is a less invasive procedure and does not involve injecting a contrast medium.
- Intra-arterial cardiac angiography: In this type of angiography, the contrast material is injected inside the coronary arteries which supply blood to the right ventricle. The resulting images are very detailed and help diagnose any blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries.
Risks of Right Heart Ventricular Angiography
Although Right Heart Ventricular Angiography is generally considered safe, there are certain risks associated with it. Some of these include, but are not limited to:
- Allergic reaction to the contrast material
- Bleeding or infection from the site where the catheter was inserted
- Damage to the blood vessels or other organs
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm)
- Stroke or heart attack
It is important to talk to your doctor before undergoing this procedure, so that you can be aware of any potential risks. You should also discuss any other medical conditions that you may have so that the doctor can take this into account when deciding if Right Heart Ventricular Angiography is the right procedure for you.