What is an Angiography?
Angiography, also known as an angiogram, is an X-ray exam of the arteries and veins. It is used to diagnose blockages and other blood vessel problems. During an angiography, your interventional radiologist inserts a thin tube — a catheter — into the artery through a small nick in the skin about the size of the tip of a pencil. A contrast agent — X-ray dye — is injected to make the blood vessels visible on the X-ray. The exam is performed in the hospital in the interventional radiology suite.
Why would you need an Angiography procedure?
A common reason to have an angiogram is to determine if there is a blockage or narrowing in a blood vessel that may interfere with the normal flow of blood through the body. Angiograms are also performed to detect aneurysms (an area of a blood vessel that bulges or balloons out), cerebral vascular disease, and blood vessel malformations.
Risks Involved
Our ability to use imaging guidance and cutting-edge technology minimizes patient risk. Prior to your procedure, your physician will discuss any potential risks with you.
Conditions to let us know about
Let your doctor know if you currently are pregnant or breast feeding, feeling ill, have a fever, or are taking any blood thinners.
Insurance coverage
Your angiography procedure is covered by most private insurance providers as well as Medicare. We will seek authorization from your insurance company prior to your procedure.
Preparing for your procedure
If you are on blood thinners your doctor will instruct you if you need to stop these medications prior to the procedure. If your procedure requires sedation, then you will need a responsible adult to give you a ride home.
Recovering from your procedure
You may possibly receive mild to moderate sedation during your procedure. You will stay in the recovery area until you are ready for discharge. You will be given written post procedure discharge instructions that will advise you about return to normal physical activity. If you have any questions after your procedure, please call the RIA Interventional Suite at 720-493-3406.