A coronary angiogram (or cardiac catheterization) is the radiographic visualization of the coronary arteries after the introduction of a contrast agent. A coronary angiography can be performed for both diagnostic and interventional (treatment) purposes.
A catheter, inserted into a major blood vessel has to be maneuvered up to the coronary arteries to inject a blood compatible iodinated contrast material (dye). The x-ray visible catheter allows injecting a small amount of contrast agent selectively in the coronary arteries or the heart chambers. Continuous images are recorded (movies or cineangiogram) in multiple views from different angles are in order to ascertain the precise location and severity of coronary artery blockages. Digitized images are also saved on computer and replayed onto a video screen as needed.
A coronary angiogram is more invasive and requires more patient recovery time than coronary CT angiography. In the past, the gold standard for detecting atherosclerotic plaque was a coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound. Today, the American Heart Association considers CT scanning to be one of the most effective, non-invasive methods for the detection of calcification in the coronary arteries.

See also Interventional Radiology.

Cholografin® Meglumine is a contrast agent for intravenous cholangiography and cholecystography. Iodipamide's primary excretion through the hepato-biliary system and concentration in bile allows visualization of the gallbladder and biliary ducts.

Omnipaque is a low-osmolar, nonionic, contrast medium with a broad range of indications, for example intravascular diagnostic procedures such as coronary angiography, spinal cord imaging, and body cavity procedures including shoulder and knee joints. Omnipaque is approved for use in adults and children, and is available in a wide variety of packagings.

See also Nonionic Contrast Agents.

Optiray® is a radiographic contrast agent. Optiray® is available in concentrations from 160 to 350 mg/mL organically bound iodine. Optiray® solutions have osmolalities 1.2 to 2.8 times that of plasma (285 mOsm/kg water).
Optiray® 160 is recommended for intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA).
See also Single-Head Contrast Media Injector, Dual-Head CT Power Injector, Syringeless CT Power Injector.

Single-head contrast media injectors ('contrast only') have been first developed in the 1970s. The construction consists of a syringe with the contrast medium inserted into the injector head and a plunger to deliver the contrast medium from the syringe via tubing connected to the patient.
Injectors used in cath lab angiography are often single-head injectors using one syringe.
Angiography contrast delivery systems inject contrast agent into arteries, where air embolisms can present a serious risk. For that reason, cath lab pressure injectors should have air embolism detectors, warning of bubbles in the line before they reach a patient. Air embolisms are not a major issue for CT scans, due to the venous access any small bubbles injected into a vein are expelled through the lungs. Procedures in the interventional suite need low, variable flow rate injections.

See also Contrast Media Injector, Dual-Head CT Power Injector, CT Power Injector, Multi-Head Contrast Media Injector, Syringeless CT Power Injector.