Editing Angiography (section)

===Coronary angiography===
{{main|Coronary catheterization|Coronary CT angiography}}
One of the most common angiograms performed is to visualize the [[coronary artery|coronary arteries]]. A long, thin, flexible tube called a [[catheter]] is used to administer the X-ray contrast agent at the desired area to be visualized. The catheter is threaded into an artery in the [[forearm]], and the tip is advanced through the arterial system into the major coronary artery.  [[X-ray]] images of the transient [[radiocontrast]] distribution within the blood flowing inside the coronary arteries allows visualization of the size of the artery [[lumen (anatomy)|openings]]. The presence or absence of [[atherosclerosis]] or [[atheroma]] within the walls of the [[artery|arteries]] cannot be clearly determined.

Coronary angiography can visualize coronary artery [[stenosis]], or narrowing of the blood vessel. The degree of stenosis can be determined by comparing the width of the lumen of narrowed segments of blood vessel with wider segments of adjacent vessel.<ref name="Masters2012"/>

The coronary angiography is performed under local anaesthesia. The patient is awake during the procedure. An incision is made in the groin, wrist, or arm, and a catheter is inserted into the artery through it. An X-ray is used to guide the catheter to the area of blockage. A dye is inserted through the catheter to make the places of blockage visible.

When the catheter is in position, a thin wire with a balloon is guided to the place of blockage. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery, allowing the blood to flow freely. Often, a stent is used, and as the balloon is inflated, the stent in place expands and holds open the artery. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the stent in place.

After the completion of the procedure, the catheter is removed, and the plug area is sealed using angio-seal.

The procedure takes around two hours, and the patient can be discharged after an overnight stay in the hospital, depending on the condition.<ref>[https://www.drmanjindersandhu.com/cardiology-insights/coronary-angioplasty-procedure-in-india Procedure of Coronary Angioplasty Treatment in India] by [https://www.drmanjindersandhu.com/ Dr. Manjinder Sandhu], a leading cardiologist in Gurugram</ref>