What is an angiogram?

An angiogram is an exam that allows the doctor to look at your blood vessels (arteries or veins) by inserting a tube into the blood vessel and injecting dye.

• If a blockage or narrowing of a vessel is found, the doctor may perform the following procedures:
  Angioplasty:
  • This procedure opens up the blocked or narrowed blood vessels without surgery.
  • A tube with a deflated balloon on the end is inserted into your blood vessel.
  • The balloon is inflated in the area of blockage or narrowing.
  • Inflating the balloon stretches out the vessel, improving blood flow through the area.
  Vascular Stent:
  • A small hollow tube made from wire mesh which is inserted into blockage or narrowing in the blood vessels that angioplasty alone cannot keep open.

Why do I need an angiogram?

• Blockage or narrowing in your blood vessels.

Where is the angiogram performed?

• It is performed in the Interventional Radiology Department, in the Medical Center.

Who will perform the angiogram?

• One of our specially trained Interventional Radiologists.

What can I expect before the angiogram?

• You will be seen in our Clinic by one of our physicians and/or nurse clinicians.   They will obtain a health history, perform a brief physical exam, explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
• You will have blood drawn on your clinic day.
• You may be required to have a CT (computed tomography) scan and/or ultrasound exam.
• On the day of the procedure you will have an IV (intravenous) catheter started.
• You will be requested to sign a consent form.

What can I expect during the angiogram?

• You will be attached to a monitor so that IV (intravenous) medications can be given to relax you.
• Your hip areas will be cleaned with special soap.
• The doctor will numb the skin over the hip area.
• After making a needle stick, the doctor will insert a small tube into the artery.
• Through this tube, the doctor will inject x-ray dye and look at your blood vessels on a TV monitor. You will feel a warm sensation from the dye.
• During the angiogram, the doctor will decide if you need angioplasty and/or a vascular stent procedure.

What can I expect after the angiogram?

• You will be observed in the hospital for at least 6 hours. You will lie flat for up to 6 hours. This is to help your artery heal and prevent bleeding.
• After 6 hours, the nurse will check for bleeding and help you walk.
• You may have to remain in the hospital depending on the results of your angiogram.

What are the risks of an angiogram?

• Bleeding at the puncture site.
• Infection at the puncture site.
• Injury to the artery resulting in the need for urgent surgery.
• Reaction to the x-ray dye.
• Damage to kidney function from the x-ray dye.

What are the benefits of an angiogram?

• To repair problem areas in your blood vessels without surgery.

What are the alternatives to having an angiogram?

• An MRA (magnetic resonance angiogram) could be performed in special cases in which a person is not able to have an angiogram.