ABSTRACT
Anatomic Considerations and Fundamentals In imaging any cardiac cavity, the following variables must be considered: anatomy, systolic function, regurgitant fraction, shunting, cavity size, cavity output, heart rate, the maximum flow rate of the diagnostic system chosen, and the catheter position and injection technique. For standard ventriculography, midcavity positioning of the catheter just below the inflow of the mitral valve is crucial. This position allows mitral inflow to carry the injected contrast material forward, opacifying the apex of the left ventricle. The preferred angiographic view is usually the 308 right anterior oblique (RAO) projection. To evaluate ventricular septal defects or obstructions of the LV outflow tract, a 308 to 608 left anterior oblique (LAO) projection with 208 cranial angulation is necessary (Table 21.1).
