How Your Cardiologist Gets from the Wrist to your Heart | Angiogram Catheters

In this episode of our "Tools of the Trade" video series, Professor Barlis takes us through the technique of the coronary angiogram and how instruments are passed from the radial (wrist) artery to the coronary arteries. The catheter is often more than 1 metre long and usually has a diameter of around 2mm. It allows passage of dye that is used to take pictures of the artery and where cardiologists pass dedicated wires, balloons and stents to help open up blocked arteries. We have several comments and emails about how the angiogram procedure is performed and we will try to provide a series of short videos to ensure our audience is aware of such procedures and give you a glimpse of what to expect if you are preparing for one.

[@jillschneider2953]

I have had Cathy’s done both ways, groin and wrist, and the wrist was so much better, no laying flat for hours afterwards.

[@lamper2]

1:14 is that the widow maker artery? 2:09 Do you need a stent because the balloon makes the artery more prone to collapsing or because it somehow discourages plaque build up or both?

[@Rickwardful]

Interesting stuff and remember my own being done, fascinated to watch my own heart of TV while they were doing it.
They put on a package or drugs afterwards but after a couple of months I refused to take any more statins. Fortunately they do seem to be questioning the former opinions regarding Cholesterol and agreed with my decision to stop taking them. So much happier now and thankful for the procedure that removed a partial blockage.
Have now learned that the real cause of it all is down to Carbs.

[@tabascocat5102]

With ablation...how on EARTH do you hit a moving target with any accuracy?

[@danc3746]

Amazing video! Thanks much. I recently scored a 209 on CT Calcium. 58 years old, cholesterol at 137. Doc prescribed me 10mg statin and 81mg aspirin, and also a stress test in another month. However I am thinking to myself, with a score of 209 there is obviously a build up, shouldn't we find out if there is blockage now with a Angiogram? Or is that being too aggressive?

[@danc3746]

@@vitalsigns2679 Noted and thanks. I guess I am a bit anxious, Ill see what this stress test brings back. Thanks!

[@nomorenews]

​@@danc3746Cac score of 209 for 58 yrs man is pretty normal.Why over anxious ?
Bring changes to lifestule,eat healthy and walk to build collaterals❤❤