The image immediately below shows the position of the image intensifier
(II) and camera in the right anterior oblique or RAO projection. Since
the inter-ventricular groove lies in the plane between the right shoulder
and left nipple, the II and camera view the outline of the septum.
The
video clip in the middle left panel was obtained in the cardiac cath
lab as the left coronary angiogram was recorded in the RAO projection.
The movie clip demonstrate both a "video" representation (coronary angios,
as they appear on playback in the cath lab) and the "cine" or cineangiographic
equivalent as seen on the developed film. The two views correspond to
the negative and positive prints of photography film. You can toggle
back and forth between the two views by clicking on the respective button.
You can also click a button to see a labeled freeze frame of the coronary
angiogram.
For purposes of reinforcement let
us review the LAD course and branches again.
In the
RAO view, the LAD begins close to the spine and then moves away from
it and towards the LV apex. It gives off two sets of branches (one or
more diagonals and several septal perforators).
The diagonal (Dx) moves diagonally and away from the LAD. The septal
perforators (SP) are smaller branches that come off the inferior border
of the LAD (at roughly 90 degrees) and travel downward.
The Cx, in this view, moves parallel to the spine and give off
the obtuse marginal (OM) and left postero-lateral (LPLA) branches that
come off at an angle and run roughly parallel to the LAD.
The photograph on the left (above) shows the II and camera assembly
in the RAO position. The picture to the right (above) shows the camera's
view of the patient's heart.
The image immediately below shows the position of the image intensifier
(II) and camera in the right anterior oblique or RAO projection. Since
the inter-ventricular groove lies in the plane between the right shoulder
and left nipple, the II and camera view the outline of the septum.
