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Arteriogram (Angiogram)
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What is an arteriogram? |
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An arteriogram is also called an angiogram. An arteriogram is an x-ray image of the blood vessels to evaluate various vascular conditions, such as an aneurysm (ballooning of a blood vessel), stenosis (narrowing of a blood vessel), or blockages. |
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How is an arteriogram performed? |
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In order to obtain an x-ray image of a blood vessel, an intravenous (IV) access is necessary so that a contrast dye can be injected into the body's circulatory system. This contrast dye causes the blood vessels to appear opaque on the x-ray image. This allows the physician to better visualize the structure of the vessel(s) under examination.
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Many arteries of the blood can be examined by an arteriogram, including: arterial systems of the legs, kidneys, brain, and heart.
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Although each hospital may have specific protocols in place, generally, an arteriogram procedure follows this process:
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- The patient is positioned on the x-ray table.
- An intravenous line is inserted into a vein in the patient's arm.
- The patient is connected to an EKG monitor that records the electrical activity of the heart and monitors the heart during the procedure using small, adhesive, electrode patches.
- A small incision is made in the arm or groin, into which a small catheter is inserted.
- The catheter is threaded into the desired vein or artery.
- An injection of contrast material is given.
- With the catheter in place, a series of x-rays are taken.
- The catheter is then removed and pressure is applied over the area to keep the artery from bleeding.
- The patient remains flat in bed in a recovery room for several hours after the procedure.
- Once at home, the patient should monitor the incision for bleeding, unusual pain, swelling, and abnormal discoloration or temperature change in the arm or leg of the puncture site. A small bruise is normal. The patient may be advised not to do any strenuous activities for at least 12 hours, nor take a hot bath or shower.
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