Angiography

An angiogram is an X-ray picture of your blood vessels. A catheter (a long, slim tube) is placed into your artery (a blood vessel that takes blood from the heart) and a contrast agent (a liquid that shows up on X-ray) is then sent through the catheter. Through an X-ray, the insides of your blood vessels are checked to see if they are narrowed, leaking, enlarged, or blocked. This helps your doctor decide on the best treatment for you. Angioplasty is a more extensive procedure than an angiogram. With angioplasty, a small balloon on the end of the catheter or a vessel dilating medication is used to open a vessel that is blocked or in spasm.

How to prepare for your procedure

Tell your doctor or nurse if you have had any kidney problems or reactions to iodine-containing items such as contrast agent or seafood. If so, your doctor will prescribe medicine for you to take before the procedure.

The radiology doctor will see you to discuss the procedure and obtain your consent. You will be able to ask any questions at this time.

Because angiography uses X-rays, you may not have a family member or friend in the room during the exam.

How does the procedure work?

• The nurse will stay with you during the procedure to watch your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and comfort level. 
• A radiology technologist will clean your skin with a special soap and may shave some hair in the areas where the doctor will be working. 
• The nurse may place a tube in your bladder to drain urine. 
• Angiography involves placing a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin. To prevent you from feeling pain, you will be given a numbing drug at the groin site. You will also be given a drug through your IV to help you relax and feel as comfortable as possible. 
• The catheter will be placed and guided to the problem blood vessel. Contrast (X-ray dye) is then sent into your blood vessel. You may feel a warm to hot flush spreading all over your body when the contrast goes in. You may also feel like you have to urinate or have a bowel movement. These feelings are normal and should only last a few seconds. 
• X-rays are taken while the contrast moves through your blood vessel. The X-rays show where an artery might be blocked, narrowed, leaking, or enlarged. 
• The catheter is removed and a pressure will be placed over the puncture site. This step takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how long it takes for your blood to clot.

What are possible risks of an Angiogram?

You may have: 

• An allergic reaction to the contrast, which may cause hives, a drop in blood pressure, swelling of the skin, or unconsciousness. 
• Minor discomfort if the numbing medicine does not completely numb the area and/or an allergic reaction to the drug used in the local anesthetic. 
• A kidney problem that is made worse by the contrast. 
• A clot that forms around the catheter and blocks your blood vessel. 
• An injury to the groin artery from placement of the catheter, causing bleeding or a blockage of blood flow to the leg. 
• An infection from the puncture site.