An angiogram has been the gold standard for testing any blockages for 40 years. Recent data suggests angiogram is not always foolproof. In other words, what you actually see on an angiogram is not what actually it is.
Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) and Optical Coherence Angiography (OCT) study the characteristic of the blockage in much more detail. It helps Interventional Cardiologists to choose the right method of removing the blockages. Not many are aware of these newer treatments. These imaging treatments can also prevent a bypass surgery.
By using IVUS and OCT one can optimize the Stenting procedure. Patients who are planning a bypass surgery can avoid the surgery and can actually be treated by Angioplasty by the help of these imaging technologies.
Optical Coherence Angiography (OCT), Image Courtesy – www.wikimedia.org
Heart blockage or Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a condition where blood flow to the heart is reduced or completely stopped due to the buildup of deposits (plaque) in the arteries that limit their ability to carry blood. If not diagnosed and treated in time, it can result in shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, and in the worst case, a heart attack. An unwanted side effect of modern lifestyles is the increase in the incidence of coronary heart disease. Stress, unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, smoking, drug abuse, and excessive alcohol consumption all contribute to the problem. Genetics is another major factor in the development of heart disease.
For over 40 years, the global standard for imaging the heart’s blood vessels has been the coronary angiogram. This procedure involves the injection of a special dye into the heart’s blood vessels. A series of rapid x-rays are then taken to ascertain which vessels are blocked and to what extent. The injected dyes make it possible to get a clear image. However, recent studies show that the procedure is not a foolproof one and that the pictures may not always be accurate. This means that the heart doctors and cardiovascular surgeons involved in treating patients with coronary conditions may not have a precise picture of the nature and extent of the problem. This could, in some cases, lead to both misdiagnoses and even providing the wrong treatment. In a matter as serious as heart disease, even the remote possibility of such mistakes is unacceptable.
For this reason, cardiologists are now moving towards the use of more accurate imaging tools and methods to diagnose heart blockages and related conditions.
Intravascular Ultrasound uses sound to produce images of the interior of blood vessels. The procedure is different from the conventional ultrasound that people are familiar with. In the conventional method, a transducer is placed on the outside of the body to measure the reflected sound waves and convert the data into images. In the case of IVUS, a tiny ultrasound wand is fixed to the end of a thin tube. The tube (or catheter) is inserted into an artery (usually in the groin area) and slowly moved up the heart. The sound waves from the wand reflect off the interior of the blood vessel and are converted into an image of the artery interior.
Optical Coherence Angiography is an imaging procedure that uses infrared light to produce high-definition images of an artery. These high-precision images enable cardiologists to see the lesions and plaque buildup in the artery and how it affects blood flow.
Once an artery blockage condition is suspected, heart doctors at Kauvery Hospital, with branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, will conduct comprehensive tests for an accurate diagnosis. It is only after the detailed analysis of these results that our professionals will determine an effective course of treatment. Our advanced procedures offer precise imaging of the blockages, enabling our cardiologists to gain a clear understanding of the condition and prescribe optimal treatment options.
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CAD is a condition where plaque buildup in the arteries reduces or stops blood flow to the heart, leading to potential heart attacks.
2. What is an angiogram?
An angiogram is a procedure using special dye and x-rays to visualize blockages in the heart’s blood vessels.
3. What is Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)?
IVUS uses sound waves from a tiny wand inside a blood vessel to create detailed images of the artery’s interior.
4. What is Optical Coherence Angiography (OCT)?
OCT uses infrared light to produce high-definition images of arteries, helping to identify plaque and blood flow issues.
5. How do IVUS and OCT improve heart blockage treatment?
IVUS and OCT provide detailed images of blockages, allowing cardiologists to choose the best treatment method and optimize procedures like stenting.
6. Can IVUS and OCT help avoid bypass surgery?
Yes, these imaging methods can help plan effective treatments like angioplasty, potentially avoiding the need for bypass surgery.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
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