cineangiocardiography

medicine

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

Cineangiocardiography is a medical imaging technique used to visualize the heart and major blood vessels. It involves injecting a radiopaque fluid into the bloodstream, typically through a catheter inserted into an artery. This fluid, visible on X-rays, allows doctors to track blood flow.

In cineangiocardiography specifically, X-ray images are amplified and recorded on motion-picture film at high speeds. When played back, these images allow for slow-motion viewing of blood flow, highlighting any blockages or abnormalities in the vessels. This diagnostic procedure is valuable for assessing cardiovascular conditions, particularly before surgery, but it carries significant risks due to potential reactions to the contrast dye.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

angiocardiography
In cineangiocardiography, the X-ray images are brightened several thousandfold with photoamplifiers and photographed on motion-picture films at speeds of up to 64 frames per second. When projected at 16 to 20 frames per second, the passage of the opacified blood may be viewed in slow motion.…
Read More
In cineangiocardiography, the X-ray images are brightened several thousandfold with photoamplifiers and photographed on motion-picture films at speeds of up to 64 frames per second. When projected at 16 to 20 frames per second, the passage of the opacified blood may be viewed in slow motion.…
Read More