ANGIOGRAM
Why Am I Having This Test?
Your doctor has recommended that you undergo a test in the Interventional Radiology Department called an angiogram (also called an arteriogram.) The information gained from this test will be important in the diagnosis and treatment of the medical problem for which you are here.
What Is An Angiogram/Arteriogram?
An angiogram is a diagnostic study which is performed with an injection of contrast (x-ray dye) material directly into your arteries to evaluate the blood vessels which carry blood to certain parts of the body. There are many different kinds of angiograms which are performed to evaluate the anatomy which is related to your medical problem. Here are some brief descriptions of the different angiograms we do.
1. Aortofemoral angiography- this is the study of your abdominal aorta and the arteries that feed your buttocks, legs, and feet.
2. Cerebral angiography- this is the study of the blood vessels that feed your neck and brain.
3. Visceral/ Renal angiography- this is the study of the blood vessels that feed the internal organs in your abdomen. The arteries that feed your kidneys, liver, and colon are the blood vessels that are most commonly studied.
IS THERE ANY PREPARATION FOR AN ANGIOGRAM?
Yes. One or two days prior to your procedure you will have a consultation with the radiologist who will explain the procedure, answer any questions or concerns you may have, give you diet instructions, advise you of what medications you can and cannot take on the day of your procedure and also have you sign a consent form. Prior to your procedure you will need to have some blood work, EKG, chest x-ray, and a history and physical. If your insurance allows this testing to be done at GBMC we will do it during your consultation visit. If not you will have this done at your primary care physician�s discretion.
Will It Hurt?
You will have an I.V. line placed in your arm which will allow us to give you medicine that will relax you and make you sleepy during your procedure. It DOES NOT put you completely to sleep. Before the doctor places the catheter in your arteries, they will use a numbing medicine on the area of the groin where the catheter will be inserted. This will sting a little. Once the catheter is placed in your artery, you will NOT feel it inside. Contrast will be injected through the catheter. Some patients say the injection of the x-ray dye is warm but it does not hurt. After the procedure, the catheter is removed, and pressure will be placed on the groin area to keep you from bleeding.
Are There Any Side Effects after the Procedure?
Some patients get a bruise in the groin area where the catheter was inserted. The groin area might also be a little tender. Most patients are able to resume normal activity 24 hours after being discharged.
How Long Will The Procedure Take?
Once you have been taken to the patient observation area where you will be taken care of by our nurses, the minimum time is eight hours. The study itself will take up to two hours, and the recovery time after the procedure requires you to lie flat for approximately 6 hours.
Who Will Read The Study?
A Radiologist will be interpreting films of the angiogram and will be calling your physician with a verbal report. There will also be a written report mailed out to your physician.
Are There Any Special Restrictions After The Procedure?
Yes. You will be unable to drive home. It is important that you have transportation arranged before your procedure. The nurse or radiologist will give you discharge instructions once you are able to leave. There will be a phone number given to you in case you have any problems or concerns.
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