To visualize the LAD during angiography, into which artery's orifice should the catheter tip be placed?

To visualize the LAD during angiography, into which artery's orifice should the catheter tip be placed?

• A. Right coronary artery
• B. Left coronary artery
• C. Left circumflex artery
• D. Pulmonary artery

Answer: (B)

Visualizing the LAD requires contrast to be injected into the left coronary system because the LAD originates from the left coronary artery. Therefore, position the catheter tip at the orifice of the left coronary artery to selectively engage and fill the left coronary tree, which includes the LAD. Placing the catheter in the right coronary artery would image the RCA, and injecting into the pulmonary artery wouldn’t reveal the coronary arteries. Engaging the left coronary ostium ensures you can see the LAD as well as its branches like the LCX.

Visualizing the LAD requires contrast to be injected into the left coronary system because the LAD originates from the left coronary artery. Therefore, position the catheter tip at the orifice of the left coronary artery to selectively engage and fill the left coronary tree, which includes the LAD. Placing the catheter in the right coronary artery would image the RCA, and injecting into the pulmonary artery wouldn’t reveal the coronary arteries. Engaging the left coronary ostium ensures you can see the LAD as well as its branches like the LCX.