Download Angiogram/Arteriogram - Northwestern Medicine

Patient Education
TESTS AND PROCEDURES
Angiogram/Arteriogram
Do not eat solid
An angiogram, or arteriogram, is an X-ray test that uses an
injection of dye (or contrast) to examine blood vessels of the
head, neck, arms, legs or other organs of the body. These tests
identify the area and extent of any artery blockage or narrowing.
The contrast solution allows the blood vessels to be seen more
clearly. The procedure usually involves only mild discomfort and
takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete.
food for at least
Before the Test
6 hours before
Do not eat solid food for at least 6 hours before the test.
the test.
You may have clear liquids up to 3 hours before the test. Needed
medications may be taken with sips of water. Your doctor will give
you specific instructions about where and when to register for
your test.
An IV (into the vein) line will be started before the test.
The doctor from the Radiology department will explain the test and discuss the risks
involved. After the doctor has answered your questions, you will be asked to give your
written consent for the procedure. Before the test is done, the doctor will perform a brief
exam and ask you questions about your medical history. Please tell the doctor about any
allergies or if you have ever had an unusual reaction to iodine or contrast solution.
You will be given a hospital gown to wear. You will wear only a hospital gown, without
underwear, pajamas or a robe of any kind. You will be asked to remove your watch, glasses,
all jewelry, and hairpins. If you are receiving general anesthesia, you will be asked to remove
your dentures or bridgework. Please give all valuable items to your family or leave them
at home. You will be asked to empty your bladder. The nurse will check your temperature,
pulse, respiration and blood pressure and answer any questions you may have. The test may
not be scheduled for a definite time. You will be told as soon as the Radiology department
calls for you.
When the patient escort arrives, you will be helped onto a cart, given a blanket to keep you
warm and then taken to the Radiology department. Your family or visitors may wait either in
your room or in the waiting areas near the elevators.
During the Test
Once you have arrived in Radiology, you will be taken to a special room. You will
be assisted onto an X-ray table that is very firm. The radiologist may give you some
medicine through your IV to help you relax. This medication may even make you feel
drowsy, but usually you will be awake but comfortable during the test.
In some cases, general anesthesia will be given. This begins with IV medicine and
includes breathing anesthetic gases mixed with oxygen. You will not be aware of the test
or your surroundings. A breathing tube is placed into your windpipe to help you breathe
during the test.
The doctor will select the site to puncture the skin. The femoral artery in your groin is
most often used. Other sites, such as the brachial artery in the bend of the elbow, may
also be used. The area around the puncture site will be shaved and cleansed with a special
soap that may feel cold. A local anesthetic (similar to novocaine) will be used to numb
the area. When it is numb, a puncture will be made and the doctor will insert a catheter.
This catheter is a long, thin, flexible tube that can be guided to a certain position. The
catheter placement is not usually painful. You may feel pressure and mild discomfort at
the puncture site. If needed, added injections of local anesthetic will be given.
When the catheter is in the proper position, the contrast is injected into the catheter
and carried through the blood vessels. As the contrast is injected, you may feel a sudden
warm or hot sensation. This will only last a few seconds. Once the contrast solution is
injected, a series of X-rays will be taken. You may be asked to hold your breath for a
few seconds as the X-rays are taken. When all X-rays have been taken, the catheter will
be removed. Firm pressure will be placed over the puncture site for at least 10 to 15
minutes. This completes the test.
After the Test
You are to remain still for at least 6 hours. During this period, you must use a urinal or
bedpan. The nurse will help you if needed. It is very important to keep your leg or arm
straight. If the femoral artery in the groin was used, you will need to lay flat in bed. The
nurse will check your blood pressure, temperature and pulse, along with the puncture
site, frequently.
An ice pack may be placed over the site to prevent swelling and relieve discomfort. The
pulse in the leg or arm used for the test will be checked and compared to your other leg
or arm.
Do not eat solid foods until you have the doctor’s permission. You will be asked to drink
plenty of fluids. You may keep the IV until the next morning so that you can receive
added fluids. This will help to flush out the contrast used during the test. Notify the
nurse immediately if you should notice any of the following symptoms.
■ Swelling at the puncture site.
■ Bleeding or bruising at the puncture site.
■ Numbness, tingling, pain or any change in normal sensation in your arm or leg.
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Difficulty moving your fingers, hands, feet or legs.
■ Coolness of the hand or foot.
■ Changes in vision.
■ Difficulty speaking or slurred speech.
■
Discharge Instructions
Diet
Unless instructed otherwise you may resume your regular diet when you leave the
hospital. You should drink at least 6 glasses of water (8 ounces) over the next 24 hours.
Water helps to clear the dye used during the procedure from your body (no alcohol for
24 hours).
Activity
For the next 3 days, no physical exercise or heavy lifting (greater than 10 lbs.) is allowed.
Consult your doctor before resuming strenuous physical activity. Do not drive for 24 hours
after the procedure. You may shower 24 hours after the test, but do not let water directly
hit the puncture site or scrub the area. Do not take a tub bath for 7 days. You may resume
all other daily activities 24 hours after the test. This includes normal social activities.
Wound Site/Bleeding
A small bruise may be present. If you notice any bleeding from the puncture wound, lie
flat and apply firm pressure just above the puncture site. Hold pressure for 15 minutes.
You may use a clean cloth or tissue to apply pressure. If possible, have another person
apply the pressure. You should lie flat for about 1 hour before getting up and walking.
Notify your doctor if this occurs. If bleeding persists for more than 15 minutes, you
should be taken to the nearest emergency room for evaluation.
The following signs could indicate that the puncture of the artery has reopened and that
there is active bleeding from the artery:
■ Sudden increase in swelling of the area around the puncture site.
■ Continuous profuse blood streaming from the site.
These signs would be rare, but would be an emergency needing immediate medical
attention.
Immediately apply hard pressure above the wound and call 911.
Notify your doctor if the following occurs:
■ Numbness or tingling in the arm or leg.
■ Difficulty moving your fingers, toes, feet or legs.
■ Discoloration and/or coolness of the hand or foot.
■ Swelling at the puncture site.
■ Drainage/oozing from the puncture site.
■ Increasing area of the bruise with discoloration extending past the initial puncture
site.
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Your doctor will discuss the results of this test with you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please ask your doctor or nurse.
Health Information Resources
For more information, visit Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Alberto Culver Health Learning Center.
This state-of-the-art health library is located on the 3rd floor of the Galter Pavilion. Health information
professionals are available to help you find the information you need and provide you with personalized
support at no charge. You may contact the Health Learning Center by calling 312-926-LINK (5465) or by
sending an e-mail to [email protected].
For additional information about Northwestern Medicine, please visit our website at nm.org.
Para asistencia en español, por favor llamar al Departamento de Representantes para Pacientes al 312-926-3112.
The entities that come together as Northwestern Medicine are committed to representing the communities we serve, fostering a culture of inclusion, delivering
culturally competent care, providing access to treatment and programs in a nondiscriminatory manner and eliminating healthcare disparities. For questions, please
call either Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Patient Representatives Department at 312-926-3112, TDD/TTY 312-944-2358 and/or the Northwestern Medical Group
Patient Representatives Department at 312-926-1920, TDD/TTY 312-695-3661.
Developed by: Vascular Nursing with the Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology
©June 2013 Northwestern Medicine
For additional information about Northwestern Medicine, please visit our website at nm.org.
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