CARBON DIOXIDE ANGIOGRAPHY

Carbon dioxide has been used in the field of medicine for a long time. It is a colorless and odorless gas. Animal and human studies have demonstrated the safety of its intravascular use. Traditional angiography involves the use of contrast dye materials, which carry risks of kidney failure and allergies (such as anaphylactic shock). These risks increase in the presence of factors such as old age, prolonged angiography procedures, and various diseases (such as heart failure and diabetes). The risk of dye-related complications particularly rises when the creatinine level, indicating kidney failure, is elevated.

Carbon dioxide is 100% biologically compatible with the human body. In other words, it does not trigger any adverse reactions when in contact with the human body. It remains in a gaseous form and does not mix with blood. It does not induce allergies and has no destructive or toxic effects on the kidneys and liver. It is expelled from the body through the respiratory system.

Currently, carbon dioxide angiography cannot be applied to the brain, arm, and heart vessels. It is specifically used for imaging the vessels in the legs and abdomen. Carbon dioxide angiography is performed similarly to traditional contrast dye angiography. The procedure is carried out from the arm or leg in the coronary angiography laboratory of the hospital. There is no additional intervention or preparation required for carbon dioxide-based procedures. Due to its lower viscosity compared to contrast dye materials, it can be applied with very small catheters. Since it does not mix with blood, there is no formation of small clots inside the catheter, a problem that can occur with contrast dye materials, leading to various difficulties in angiography.

Carbon dioxide angiography is a good alternative to traditional contrast dyes for imaging the vessels in the legs and abdomen, especially in patients with risk factors such as kidney failure and diabetes. Another advantage of carbon dioxide angiography is its non-allergenic nature, making it a preferred choice in certain cases.

Assoc. Prof. Aksüyek Savaş Çelebi