Angioplasty, Angiograms and Stents
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Can you please explain the difference between angioplasty, angiograms and cardiac stents and when would each be used? Thank you very much
Dear Sam: An angiogram is the process of injecting dye/contrast into the coronary artery to visualise the anatomy of the artery, and view if there is any narrowing or blockage present. Angioplasty is the process of widening a blockage and stretching a vessel using a balloon and is generally followed by deploying a stent. Cardiac stents are used to open the coronary artery, ensure that it does not close over and maintain flow of blood down the artery, to supply the heart muscle. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 10 March 2010 )
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