Angiography

If a patient shows clear signs of a narrowing of the coronary vessels in the course of a non-invasive examination (ECG, echo, blood), or if the diagnostic findings of a stress ECG suggest that there is a pathological condition, the patient will be referred to the team of Consultant Physician Thomas Brunner via the diagnostics system of the Vienna Heart Center.

Today, we cannot anymore do without angiography in the diagnosis and therapy of diseases of the coronary vessels. In the case of coronary angiography (intracardiac catheter), as it is called, usually an intracardiac catheter is inserted into the big femoral artery (starting from the groin), and pushed all the way to the heart while being monitored and controlled by X-ray.

If a severe vessel constriction is diagnosed, the constricted vessel can be immediately widened (PTCA) or be kept open permanently by implanting a special vessel support (a so-called stent). As the surgery performed via the groin artery is associated with a high secondary-bleeding risk and strict bed rest lasting for several hours, the Rudolfinerhaus team mainly performs the examination only from the radial artery (Arteria radialis – forearm artery), making Dr. Brunner’s team true pioneers in Austria.

The benefits of the radial approach are: significantly less bleeding complications and the maintenance of the patient’s mobility, as he/she is no longer required to stay in bed after the surgery – which definitely adds to the patient’s safety and comfort.

Contact:
Head: Consultant Physician Thomas A. Brunner, M.D.
E-mail: t.brunner(at)rudolfinerhaus.at

Appointments: ++43-1-36036-6421