Coronary Angiography

Despite recent advances in non-invasive imaging techniques, angiography (putting x-ray dye into the arteries) remains the gold standard for diagnosis of vascular disease. This technique involves the placement of a catheter into the artery, usually through the artery in the groin, using a local anesthetic. X-ray images are used to see the blockages in the arteries. This procedure is performed only in the hospital, usually as an outpatient. Patients must fast overnight for this procedure.