Heart and vascular health are essential for a healthy life. If heart diseases are not diagnosed early, they can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, one of the modern methods developed to assess vascular structure and heart health is virtual angiography. In this article, we will discuss in detail what virtual angiography is, how it is performed, its advantages, and who it is suitable for.
1. What Is Virtual Angiography?
Virtual angiography is a modern imaging method performed using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to examine blood vessels and heart structure in detail. Unlike traditional angiography, it does not require catheter insertion, meaning it is a non-invasive procedure performed without entering the blood vessels.
Virtual angiography is particularly effective in detecting narrowing, blockage, or other anomalies in the heart vessels. During the procedure, a contrast agent is administered to the patient, and the CT or MRI device provides a three-dimensional image of the vessels.
2. Advantages of Virtual Angiography
Virtual angiography offers many benefits for patients:
- Lower Risk: Since no catheter is used, the risk of infection or vessel damage is low.
- Quick Procedure: The procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes.
- Detailed Imaging: CT or MRI technology allows three-dimensional and detailed imaging of the vessels.
- Fast Results: Images are analyzed quickly, and results are provided to the patient.
- Painless and Comfortable: As it is non-invasive, patients generally do not feel pain, and the procedure is comfortable.
3. When Is Virtual Angiography Used?
Virtual angiography is used to diagnose many heart and vascular diseases. Its main applications include:
- Detecting narrowing or blockage in coronary arteries
- Evaluating heart valves and vascular structure
- Screening for individuals at risk of heart disease
- Checking previous heart surgeries or stent applications
- Investigating causes of sudden chest pain or shortness of breath
4. How Is Virtual Angiography Performed?
The procedure is generally carried out in the following steps:
- Preparation: The patient’s pre-procedure tests and anesthesia requirements are evaluated. It can be performed on an empty or full stomach, depending on the doctor’s instructions.
- Contrast Agent Administration: A contrast agent is administered intravenously to visualize the vessels clearly.
- Imaging: The patient is placed in the CT or MRI device, which scans the heart and vessels in three dimensions.
- Analysis: The obtained images are examined by a radiologist or cardiologist, and a report is prepared.
5. Who Is It Suitable For?
Virtual angiography is recommended especially for risk groups and individuals suspected of having heart disease:
- People over 40 years old
- Those with a family history of heart disease
- Individuals experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations
- People with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol
However, patients with kidney failure or allergies to contrast agents should have a doctor’s evaluation before the procedure.
6. Differences Between Virtual and Traditional Angiography
- Invasiveness: Traditional angiography involves catheter insertion into the blood vessel, while virtual angiography is non-invasive.
- Risk: The risk of complications is lower because no catheter is used.
- Comfort: Virtual angiography is usually shorter and painless.
- Purpose: Traditional angiography may sometimes be preferred for treatment purposes, such as stent placement, while virtual angiography is mainly used for diagnostic purposes.
Virtual angiography is a modern, safe, and fast method to assess heart and vascular health. Being non-invasive provides comfort and low risk for patients while offering detailed imaging. It is an ideal diagnostic method, especially for individuals at risk of heart disease or those who want a detailed view of their vascular structure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is virtual angiography painful?
No, it is generally painless and comfortable because it is non-invasive. - How long does the procedure take?
It usually takes 15-30 minutes. - Can everyone have virtual angiography?
Patients with kidney failure or allergies to contrast agents should be evaluated by a doctor. - When are the results available?
Images are analyzed quickly, and the report is provided to the patient. - What is the difference from traditional angiography?
Traditional angiography is performed with a catheter, whereas virtual angiography is non-invasive and catheter-free.