NEW LORDOTIC PROJECTION FOR IMPROVED VISUALIZATION OF THE LEFT CORONARY ARTERY AND ITS BRANCHES

Abstract

Two new lordotic oblique projections of the left coronary artery are described. When the LAO view of the left coronary artery is obtained with the horizontal beam angled 45° cephalad, the main left coronary artery, the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery, and the diagonal branches may be optimally seen. When the angulated horizontal beam is used to obtain the RAO view of the left coronary artery, the proximal LAD is seen with the diagonal branches projected away from it. The roentgenographic technique of the lordotic views is discussed. Coronary arteriograms are presented to demonstrate the usefulness of these new views.