Angiogram vs angioplasty images

[Brenda_2011]

Hi, Ed
I know you mentioned that you got your images from your angiograms. By any chance do you know if there is a significant difference in the number of images for an angiogram without stents vs the one that would have two stents?
The hospital said that there are 6 discs for an angioplasty (2 stents) but only 1 disc for just the angiogram when they didn't place any stents.
Thanks!

[Brenda_2011]

Thanks so much, Ed!

[ed34]

There would usually be many more images for angioplasty compared to just exploration angiogram. An Angiogram would have an image of each artery and that's it. When they perform stenting they take the images first to give a map for the cardiologist and to see where the blockages are. Then a guide wire is passed through the blockage and a catheter is slid over the wire and passed the blockage. The catheter has suction and is slowly pulled back to remove any clot material. Another image is then taken. This may be done 2 or 3 times. Then a balloon is used to enlarge the artery and nitro is given to prevent any spasm. Then the stent is put into position and inflated with a balloon for about 20-30 seconds before the balloon is removed. More pictures are then taken. If this new flow reveals another blockage requiring another stent, this procedure is all repeated again. So, many pics are taken through the progression of the procedure.