CO2 Angiography: A breakthrough in protecting patients with severe kidney disease

Representatives from FV Hospital recently presented the topic “The Use of CO₂ in Angiography and Endovascular Interventions” at a scientific conference held at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi. In addition to serving as a speaker, Dr Luong Ngoc Trung is also the pioneer in Vietnam in applying this breakthrough technique. 

The forum focused on the use of CO2 gas as an alternative to conventional contrast agents in angiography and vascular interventions. This innovative approach offers a safer alternative for patients with severe kidney disease undergoing endovascular procedures. 

At the conference, Dr Luong Ngoc Trung, MSc, Specialist Level II, Head of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at FV Hospital, highlighted the clinical challenges associated with conventional techniques. In vascular surgery, iodine-based contrast agents have long been the standard for visualising diseased blood vessels. However, for patients with underlying conditions such as kidney disease or a history of allergies, these agents can pose significant risks, including acute kidney injury. 

Dr Luong Ngoc Trung, MSc, Specialist Level II, presenting at the conference.

For patients with severe kidney disease and critical vascular blockages, the use of conventional iodine-based contrast agents may further impair kidney function and, in some cases, lead to dialysis after intervention. “By changing our strategy and using CO2, we can both save the patient’s limb and preserve kidney function,” emphasised Dr Trung.

To address this challenge, CO2 angiography has demonstrated significant advantages by using purified CO2 gas as a negative contrast agent, completely replacing iodine-based contrast media. Using a modern digital injection system, CO2 can be delivered precisely into blood vessels, allowing clinicians to visualise vascular structures without exposing the kidneys to toxic contrast agents.

Dr Trung (left) sharing his experience from the intervention suite at Bach Mai Hospital.

After serving its imaging purpose, the gas rapidly dissolves into the bloodstream and is naturally eliminated through the lungs within a matter of seconds, eliminating concerns about toxic accumulation or life-threatening anaphylaxis. Its high safety profile enables physicians to perform repeated interventions during complex procedures without placing additional strain on kidney function.

A key highlight of Dr Luong Ngoc Trung’s presentation that attracted considerable attention from medical professionals was FV Hospital’s pioneering role in this field. FV is the first healthcare institution in Vietnam to introduce and successfully implement an integrated Angiodroid system for the clinical application of this technique.

By combining advanced technology with strong clinical expertise, FV Hospital not only provides safer treatment options for patients but also contributes to medical innovation and the advancement of healthcare standards in Vietnam.