 Angiography
An arteriogram is an X-ray evaluation of your blood vessels which is also called an
angiogram or sometimes a catheterization. The examination is performed in the
Radiology Department with admission through same day surgery. The overall hospital
stay is about 8 hours with the actual examination taking 45-90 minutes. Before
coming to DMH , you will be contacted by our nurse. She will explain the procedure
in detail and answer any questions you may have. She will take a brief history and
give you instructions concerning medications and pre-procedural blood work. On the
day of your exam you will register at the Radiology outpatient desk. Our nurse will
then come to greet you and take you to the dressing room to get changed. She will
then perform a short examination and start an IV . The Radiologist who will perform
your exam will then explain the procedure in detail and obtain your consent. You will
then receive some light sedation and a general anesthetic to make you comfortable prior
to starting the study. A small area in your groin will be cleansed and local anesthetic
administered to numb the area. The Radiologist will then place a small catheter into the
artery in your groin . The tip of this catheter is then directed into the blood vessel
to be studied and contrast given. A series of pictures are obtained from many different
angles and blood flow measurements taken. Sometimes upon review of the images or pictures,
a narrowed segment is identified. These localized narrowed segments can be dilated by
inserting a small balloon and performing an angioplasty or by following the dilatation
with the insertion of a stent to keep the vessel open. Following completion of the exam,
a technologist will hold pressure in your groin at the puncture site in order to prevent
any bleeding. You will then be admitted to either the floor or the Heart and Lung Center
for post- procedural monitoring. You will be monitored for approximately 5 - 6 hours and
then discharged with instructions.The following day you will be contacted by our nurse to
check on you and make sure you are alright.
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