Download Cerebral Catheter Angiography - Nottingham University Hospitals

Once you are at home it is possible, although very unlikely, that the
puncture site may start to bleed or become swollen. If this happens
you should lie down, apply pressure to the puncture site and ask
the person with you to telephone the ward on 0115 924 9924 ext.
63629 / 69011 / 69010 for advice. Continue to press during this
time, but if the bleeding continues call an ambulance. Continue to
press firmly or ask the person with you to press firmly on the
puncture site until help arrives.
Cancellation
It is possible that your procedure may be cancelled at the last
minute. This is usually because an emergency case has been
admitted. If this happens you will receive a further appointment. If
you are unable to attend the arranged appointment, please contact
the ward that you are being admitted to as soon as possible.
Undergoing cerebral
catheter angiography
Information for patients
Interventional Radiology Theatres
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback. If you need advice or are
concerned about any aspect of your care or treatment please
speak to a member of staff or contact the Patient Advice and
Liaison Service (PALS):
Freephone: 0800 183 0204
From a mobile or abroad: 0115 924 9924 ext. 65412 or 62301
E-mail: [email protected]
Letter: NUH NHS Trust, c/o PALS, Freepost NEA 14614,
Nottingham NG7 1BR
www.nuh.nhs.uk
The Trust endeavours to ensure that the information given here is
accurate and impartial.
Jane Bell/Sharon Selby, Interventional Radiology Theatres © September 2015.
All rights reserved. Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Review September 2017.
Ref: 0226/v4/0915/NCB
This document can be provided in different languages and
formats. For more information please contact:
Interventional Radiology Theatres
QMC
B Floor, West Block
Tel: 0115 924 9924 ext. 62663
(Ask for Jane Bell, Sharon Selby or Tina Kapp)
Public information
This leaflet contains information about cerebral catheter
angiography. It is important for you to understand what this
investigation is and how the information gained from it will affect
your care. Patients and carers should read the following
information carefully.
What is angiography?
Angiography is a way of looking at blood vessels in the brain. To
do this we inject a contrast agent (dye) to make the blood vessels
more visible and then use X-rays.
What is the reason for angiography?
Catheter angiography is an accurate way to assess the anatomy of
the blood vessels inside the head. This will provide important
information to help in your further care and management.
What does angiography involve?
Before the angiography
Your angiogram will be performed in the X-ray department. On the
day of your angiogram, you will be admitted to an appropriate
ward. Before the angiogram a doctor will review you and ask for
your consent. There is a small level of risk associated with having
an angiogram. This will be discussed with you at the time of
consent.
It is important to let the doctor know if you have asthma or any
allergies, if you are diabetic and taking metformin, or if you
may be pregnant.
You should only have a light breakfast/lunch (e.g. tea and toast)
approximately two hours before the angiography. You may drink
water, black tea or black coffee up to the time of the angiography.
During the angiography
The angiography will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes and it is
usually performed while you are awake. Local anaesthetic is used
to numb the skin at the top of your leg (usually the right leg).
You will feel a slight sting as the local anaesthetic is given. A
catheter (thin plastic tube) is then introduced into the artery through
the skin. A contrast agent (dye) is used to show up the blood
vessels on the X-ray pictures. The contrast agent used is
colourless and is cleaned out of the blood by passing through your
kidneys and into your urine.
When the pictures are taken you may feel a warm sensation
throughout your body. You may also experience a salty or metallic
taste, flashing lights or seeing stars. These may last a few seconds
as the contrast agent circulates in your blood stream. You will also
hear electrical tones as the equipment takes pictures during the
angiogram. The equipment will move around you, but will not touch
you.
After the angiogram
Once the procedure has finished the doctor will remove the plastic
tube and will press on the puncture site at the top of your leg for
five to ten minutes. This is to enable the puncture site to seal.
You will then be transferred back to the ward where you will lie flat
for three hours, while the small arterial puncture continues to seal.
During this time the nurse looking after you will take your pulse,
blood pressure and other general observations. You can then sit up
for one hour and move around the ward for the second hour if
needed. You will be able to eat and drink normally after the
angiogram, although you may need some help with this while you
are lying flat.
The results of your angiogram will be sent to your consultant within
approximately two weeks. You will be sent a clinic appointment to
see your consultant and discuss the results.
Going home following the angiogram
If everything is satisfactory you will be allowed to go home
approximately four hours after the angiogram, but if you experience
any difficulties or complications a doctor will review you on the
ward. You must not drive for 48 hours after the angiogram and
someone should stay with you for the first 24 hours.