Arteriography
Angiography is carried out in a hospital X-ray or radiology department. It normally takes between 30 minutes and two hours, and you can usually go home the same day.
This page covers:
Before having an angiogram, you may be asked to attend a hospital appointment to check that you can have the test.
This may involve:
If you choose to have a sedative, you'll be asked not to eat for a few hours before the test.
You'll also need toarrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital, as you won't be ableto drive yourself home.
You'll usually be awake for an angiogram, although general anaesthetic (where you're asleep)may beused for young children.
For the test:
Sometimes treatment may be carried at the same time, such as inserting a balloon or a small tube to open up a narrowed artery. This is known as angioplasty .
Once the procedure is finished, the catheter is removed and pressure is placed on the cut to stop any bleeding. Stitches aren't needed.
After the test, you'll be taken to a recovery ward where you'll be asked to lie still for a few hours to prevent bleeding from the cut.
You'll usually be able to go homethe same day, although sometimes you may need tostay in hospitalovernight.
It may be possible to tell you the results of the test before you go home, but often the X-rays need to be studied in detail and the results arenot available for afew weeks.
While recovering at home:
You will probably have some bruising and soreness for at least afew days.
Angiography is a type of X-ray used to examine the blood vessels. Find out why it's used, what it involves and what the possible risks are.
Find out how to get ready for angiogram, what happens during the procedure, and what happens afterwards.
Find out about the side effects and complications associated with angiography, and when to get medical help.