Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Angiography

(Catheter Angiography; Arteriography; Angiogram)
by Laurie Rosenblum
Definition

An angiography is an x-ray exam of the blood vessels. The exam uses a chemical that is injected into your blood vessels to make them more visible on the x-ray.

Reasons for Procedure

This procedure may be done to:

  • Determine if there is blood leaking out of the vessels and into other parts of your body
  • Help doctors identify narrowed, enlarged, and blocked blood vessels

In some cases, the doctor can treat a blocked blood vessel at this time. This would prevent the need for another procedure.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have an angiography, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

  • Abnormal heart beats ( arrhythmias )
  • Allergic reaction to chemical used
  • Bleeding at point of catheter insertion
  • Damage to blood vessels, which in turn can cause damage to organs and tissue
  • Infection
  • Kidney damage from contrast material
  • Stroke

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

  • Allergies, especially to x-ray dye, iodine, medicines, or certain foods including shellfish
  • Bleeding disorder
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney problems
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
  • At your appointment before the test, your doctor will likely:
    • Ask about:
      • Allergies
      • Medicines you take
      • Whether you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
      • Your medical history
    • Perform a thorough physical examination
    • Do blood tests
  • In the days before your procedure, you will need to:
    • Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
    • Follow your doctor’s instructions. You may need to make changes in your medicines or your eating and drinking habits.
Anesthesia

A local anesthesia will be injected into your arm or groin where the catheter will be inserted there. A small dose of sedative may also be given by IV.

Description of the Procedure

The area of the groin or arm where the catheter will be inserted is shaved and cleaned. The area will be numbed with the anesthetic. A small incision will be made into your skin. A catheter (small tube) will be placed through the incision into an artery. The doctor will guide the catheter through the arteries to the area to be examined. The contrast material is injected through the catheter. The doctor watches the procedure on a nearby television monitor. Several sets of x-rays are taken. The catheter is then removed. Pressure will be applied to the area for about 10 minutes.

How Long Will It Take?

Less than an hour to several hours if the doctor decides to fix any problems at the same time

How Much Will It Hurt?

Although the procedure is not painful, you may feel the following discomfort:

  • Brief sting when local anesthesia is injected
  • Hot and flushed when contrast material is injected
  • Pressure when catheter is inserted
Post-procedure Care
At the Care Center

Immediately following the procedure:

  • If you notice any swelling, bleeding, black and blue marks, or pain where the catheter was inserted, tell the nurse.
  • You may be allowed to leave the hospital after this recovery period, but the length of stay will depend on your other medical problems.
  • You may need to have pressure applied to the entry site to control bleeding.
  • You will be encouraged to drink a lot of fluids to flush the contrast material from your system.
  • You will need to lie flat for a period of time. The length of time will depend on your overall health and the reason for the exam.
At Home

After your procedure, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .

When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

  • Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
  • Change the dressing around the incision area as instructed.
  • Do not lift heavy objects or do any strenuous exercise or sexual activity for at least 24 hours or longer as directed by your doctor.
  • Drink extra fluids, as instructed by your doctor. This will help flush the contrast material from your system.
  • Take medicines as instructed.
Results

The radiologist will examine the x-rays and report the findings to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the findings and any treatment options needed with you.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs: In case of emergency, get medical care right away .

  • Any problems with your speech or vision
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Extreme pain, including chest pain
  • Extreme sweating, nausea, or vomiting
  • Facial weakness
  • Leg or arm feels cold, turns white or blue, or becomes numb or tingly
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the injection site
  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Last reviewed: September 2011 by Michael J. Fucci, DO.

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