The Half-Axial Projection

Abstract

The half-axial view is a dividend of large film selective coronary arteriography. The half-axial projection is obtained by combining caudal tilt of the overhead tube with rotation of the patient into the right posterior oblique position. Thus, the main left coronary artery and the proximal portions of its primary and secondary branches are maximally displayed because the X-ray beam is nearly perpendicular to these vessels and overlap is minimized. The half-axial view adds less than two minutes to the procedure and in nearly half of our patients adds significantly to the arteriographic assessment of the left coronary artery.