ABSTRACT
Theoretically, there are few absolute contraindications to coronary angiography. Fortunately most people who are suitable for angiography will also be suitable for angioplasty. There are a few caveats that are relevant for patient selection, and we will discuss them in the next few pages. Some of these issues will be resolved over the next few years as non-invasive forms of coronary imaging become widely applicable. These imaging modalities may still involve the use of contrast, depending on whether they are based on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Despite these innovations, angioplasty will persist as the therapeutic intervention of choice for the majority of cases with coronary artery disease.
