Angiogram

An angiogram is a specialized x-ray of the blood vessels in the head and neck, and is used to identify brain disorders.

How to Prepare

When you schedule your angiogram, you will be told whether the procedure will be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis. You may go home the same day, approximately three to six hours after the angiogram is completed, or you may remain in the hospital overnight.

Prior to undergoing this procedure, you will need to have a blood test done. Your CINN nurse will coordinate this for you.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before or on the morning of your angiogram. If you are on any medications, you may take them with sips of water. If you are a diabetic, discuss your medication with your CINN physician.

Bring a loose-fitting outfit with you to the hospital. Wearing comfortable clothes while returning home will minimize any discomfort you experience.

You must arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home, unless you are staying at the hospital overnight.

Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products including Alka Seltzer, Anacin, Bufferin, and Empirin for one week prior to your appointment. Also, do not take Darvon, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Indocin or any products containing ibuprofen including Advil and Motrin for one week prior to your appointment. Ask your CINN physician when you can resume taking these medications. You may take Tylenol and acetaminophen.

If you regularly take a blood-thinning medication, such as aspirin or Coumadin, notify your CINN physician. Your dosage may be adjusted in preparation for the angiogram.

Tell your CINN physician if you are pregnant or if you have any allergies, such as those to any medications, shellfish, or iodine or other contrast solutions.

If you develop a cold, fever, or flu symptoms before your scheduled appointment, contact your CINN physician.

What to Expect

Once you are settled in your room, you will be asked to disrobe and put on a hospital gown. Do not bring jewelry or any other valuables to the hospital the day of your procedure.

Your nurse will perform a brief physical exam, which will include taking your vital signs and performing a neurological evaluation. The nurse will then place an intravenous (IV) line into your hand or arm and ask you to empty your bladder. When the time comes for your test, a hospital transporter will help you onto a cart and take you to the examination room, where you will be asked to lie down on a table.

After you are positioned on the examination table, a radiology nurse or the radiologist may give you a mild sedative to help you relax. Then the radiologist will determine the best place to insert a catheter. A catheter is a very thin, long, flexible tube that can be used to deliver a contrast solution (a water-soluble dye) into the body. Usually the site chosen is the femoral artery, located in the groin. However, the catheter may also be placed in the axillary artery, which is located near the armpit.

The radiologist will cleanse the insertion site with an antibacterial solution. Then he or she will inject a local anesthetic into the insertion site to numb the area, which may cause a burning sensation for a few seconds. After the area is numb, the radiologist will insert the catheter into the predetermined position and advance it into the desired position. This may cause a sensation of pressure and mild discomfort.

When the catheter is in place, the radiologist will inject the contrast solution into the catheter. This may cause a sudden burning or flushing sensation, which will last for 30 to 60 seconds. The radiologist will then take a series of x-rays while you lie still on the table. Afterward, the radiologist will carefully remove the catheter, then apply firm pressure to the insertion site for approximately 10 to 40 minutes.

The angiogram takes one to three hours to complete depending upon the number of blood vessels your CINN physician wishes to have studied.

After the test, you will be taken to the same day surgery recovery area or hospital room. You will be asked to lie on your back and keep your affected leg or arm as straight as possible for the next two to six hours, which will help the injection site to heal. Your nurse will check your injection site, blood pressure, pulse, and blood circulation frequently.

You must remain in bed for two to six hours from when the angiogram was completed. This is dependent on if a closure device was used or not. If a closure device was used, you will be able to ambulate in two hours and go home one hour after ambulate if the site looks good. When you need to empty your bladder, your nurse will assist you with a urinal or bedpan. Your nurse will give you specific written instructions about how to care for yourself at home.

If you undergo an angiogram as an outpatient, have a family member or friend drive you home, and be sure to recline in the car as much as possible. You will probably be able to resume your normal activities within 24 to 48 hours of your test. No heavy lifting greater than 10 pounds for five days and no baths or swimming for give days. You may remove the dressing in 24 hours.

If you remain in the hospital overnight, you may drive yourself home after you are discharged. You do not have to remain on bed rest after returning home, but please take it easy for the next few days.

Additional Instructions

After your angiogram, drink plenty of fluids for the remainder of the day, unless otherwise instructed. This will help flush the contrast solution from your system.