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Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta
The available research papers show that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in India. A research paper published in 2016 explains that heart attack and stroke caused nearly 80 percent of cardiovascular deaths. Cardiovascular diseases including blockages require timely detection for proper treatment. This article will explain one such detection method of blockages, i.e., angiography, and whether the doctor inserts a stent during this procedure.
What is an angiogram?
A medical imaging procedure called angiography produces scanned images of blood vessels called angiograms. Angiograms help find the exact location of the blockage in blood vessels. It helps doctors to decide the medical procedure that can reduce maximum blockage to treat the condition.
Blood vessels do not show up in regular imaging techniques. So, in angiography, the doctor injects a dye before starting the procedure. They do this to highlight the blood vessels in the angiogram.
What is a stent?
A stent is a tiny mesh-like structure that a doctor inserts into the affected area within the blood vessels to remove the blockage. They are coated with medicine that prevents blood vessels from getting blocked again in the future. A stent in place restores blood flow in the blood vessels to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Are stents inserted during an angiography?
Not always. Doctors do not place stents during angiography. After analysing the angiograms produced by angiography doctors conduct other treatment procedures to insert a stent. One such treatment is angioplasty, which doctors often conduct following an angiography. Doctors insert stents during angioplasty. However, while performing angiography, it is possible that a doctor while performing the procedure may find narrowed or obstructed blood vessels. So, he may immediately conduct an angioplasty to widen the blocked or narrowed blood vessels and put a stent in place.
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