special subjects
Angiography
Introduction
Angiography is sometimes called conventional angiography to distinguish it from CT angiography (CTA) and IV contrast is injected through a catheter inserted into a blood vessel that connects with the vessel to be imaged. A local anesthetic or a sedative may be used. If the catheter is inserted into an artery, the insertion site must be steadily compressed for 10 to 20 minutes after all instruments are removed to reduce the risk of bleeding at the puncture site. Angiography, although invasive, is relatively safe. 