Doctors use a diagnostic procedure known as angiography to visualize blood vessels and the flow of blood in the body. Angiography can reveal abnormalities in blood vessels, such as a bulge or inflammation, and can also determine blocked blood flow due to plaque or a blood clot. Doctors perform angiography on an outpatient basis but to avoid risks they must follow a set of specific processes.
Types of Angiography
Angiography can detect problems with blood vessels or blood flow in many different areas of the body. A coronary angiography can examine blood flow through the heart and the heart's ability to pump blood. A cerebral angiography reveals blood flow through the blood vessels in and around the brain. Angiography can also be used to examine the kidneys, pelvis, legs, lungs and abdomen.
Prior to the Procedure
Prior to an angiography, tell your doctors about all medications you currently take. In addition, those with certain conditions, including kidney disease, diabetes or pregnancy, should alert their doctor to minimize the risks of angiography. The doctor may also perform routine tests on blood and urine samples to assess overall health prior to the test. Once at the hospital, the patient must remove all clothes and jewelry, put on a hospital gown and prepare for the procedure by receiving an IV in which medications can be administered.
During the Procedure
To perform an angiography, a small, thin, flexible tube known as a catheter must be inserted into an artery in the groin, arm or neck. The doctor threads the catheter through the blood vessels into the area to be examined. Once in the area, the doctor injects a contrast medium through the catheter. This contrast medium, usually a mixture of iodine and water, helps make the blood vessels visible by X-ray. The patient may feel a warming or flushing sensation as the dye injects, according to MayoClinic.com. The doctor aims high-energy radiation to the area and can then see the blood vessels and flow of blood on detectors.
After the Procedure
An angiography typically takes less than an hour to up to several hours to perform, according to the Radiological Society of North America. Following the procedure, doctors will monitor the patient for a period of time. The site of catheter insertion may form a bruise and feel tender. Patients should avoid heaving lifting but can resume a normal diet following the procedure.
Risks of Angiography
Although generally considered a safe procedure, angiography does pose some risks. As the catheter moves through the blood vessels, it can puncture a vessel, resulting in internal bleeding. Bleeding or an infection can occur at the site of the incision to insert the catheter. The catheter may also promote the formation of a blood clot, which can then travel through the blood vessels and cause either a heart attack or stroke.
