Radiology and Imaging

As defined by the American Heart Association, coronary angiography is an X-ray examination of the blood vessels or chambers of the heart. A very small tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel in your upper thigh (groin area) or arm. The tip of the tube is positioned either in the heart or at the beginning of the arteries supplying the heart, and a special fluid (called a contrast medium or dye) is injected. This fluid is visible by X-ray, and the pictures that are obtained are called angiograms.

Another name for this test is coronary arteriography.

At Mercy Medical Center, state-of-the-art equipment is used for general radiographic and fluoroscopic testing. Our interventional specialists of doctors, nurses, and technologists also provide digital angiography.

Routine services are available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, and emergencies upon request.