Angiography Information Sheets
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Angiography is an investigation where contrast material is injected into the arteries or veins and x-rays or computerised imaging is used to enhance the pictures.
Why an angiogram is performed
Angiograms give the best pictures of the blood vessels. These demonstrate blood vessel abnormalities such as weakness in blood vessel walls (aneurysms), narrowing of the blood vessels, arteriovenous malformations or blood supply of tumours.
Angiograms can be used to outline aneurysms to enable coils to block the weakness or open up narrowed blood vessels with balloons (angioplasty) or stents.
How the angiogram is performed
An angiogram can be used to examine any artery or vein of the head (cerebral angiogram), heart, lungs or kidneys.
An angiogram is performed in the x-ray department by a trained radiologist. The doctor inserts an intravenous line into one of the blood vessels of your arm, neck or groin. A catheter is then inserted through the IV into the blood vessels using an x-ray machine to produce live pictures. Contrast material is then injected and serial pictures are taken.
How to prepare for the angiogram
No food or fluids are taken 6 hours before the angiogram.
You will be asked to remove clothing and wear a hospital gown.
The procedure can be performed as a day case and you will be able to be discharged later on the day of the angiogram.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to seafood, or if you have had a contrast (dye) reaction in the past. Also inform the doctor if you are pregnant or taking any medications, such as Metformin for diabetes, Viagra or any blood thinning agents.
How the angiogram will feel
You will feel the mild discomfort and a pressure sensation when the IV line is placed into the blood vessel.
When the contrast material is injected, you will feel a slight flushing in your head with a cerebral angiogram.
You will be asked to lie on your back for a few hours after the test to avoid bleeding from the needle insertion site.
Risks of the angiogram
There is a small risk of bleeding, infection and pain at the puncture site.
There is a small risk the small inserted plastic catheters can damage the blood vessel wall.
Blood clots can form on the catheters and small particles can break off causing blockages of blood vessels. This raises a very small risk of stroke.
The intravenous contrast material can damage the kidneys, especially in patients with diabetes and kidney disorders.