Coronary Angiography: Views and Pitfalls

Coronary angiography is the definitive “gold standard” clinical technique for evaluating coronary anatomy in many patients. It provides accurate information regarding the location and severity of coronary disease, anomalies, and correlation with clinical syndromes. With the advancement of radial access, coronary angiography can be done with very low complications rates while still providing accurate information. The laboratory and catheters provide a platform for coronary intervention and revascularization. In this lesson, we will discuss catheter pressure waveforms, the angiographic views, and angiographic view/coronary anatomy correlations.

You Will Learn

• To discuss the significance of pressure waveform damping and/or ventricularization in the performance of coronary angiography
• To describe the best views and methods to image the right coronary artery using coronary angiography
• To determine the optimal views and methods to image the left coronary artery using coronary angiography