Arteriogram

Why is this procedure done?

Arteries are blood vessels that supply blood to all parts of your body. An arteriogram is a procedure that looks at your arteries. It helps your doctor see how well blood moves through your blood vessels. The doctor uses a special dye and x-rays to help see inside the blood vessels. This test helps find problems like a block, bulge, or narrow place in a blood vessel. This procedure may be done to look at blood vessels in the heart, brain, or kidneys. It can also look at blood vessels in many other parts of the body. The doctor may be able to treat a problem during the procedure. � �

What will the results be?

The results may tell your doctor if there is a problem in your blood vessels. The doctor may be able to fix the problem. Talk to your doctor about the test. � �

What happens before the procedure?

Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin � �, ibuprofen, Aleve � � (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Allergies to any drug or other substances. You may be given a dye called "contrast " � for this procedure. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to iodine, dye, or shellfish.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.

Your doctor will do an exam and may order: � �

Lab tests

What happens during the procedure?

Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
The exact procedure will depend on the blood vessels to be looked at. The doctor will give you a drug to numb the skin area in your arm or groin.
The doctor will put a needle into the skin to make a hole in the artery. The doctor will put in a small tube called a catheter. The doctor will inject a contrast dye to your system. This will provide a better view of the blood vessels. The doctor will use x-rays to view and guide the catheter. You may feel a flushing sensation or get a salty or metallic taste in your mouth when the dye is injected.
Sometimes, your doctor may treat a problem during the procedure. The doctor may dissolve a blood clot or put in a stent.
The doctor will remove the catheter. The doctor will apply pressure to the injection site to stop the bleeding.
The procedure takes about an hour.

What happens after the procedure?

You will go to the Recovery Room after surgery. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be watched closely. The staff will check for groin or arm bleeding.
You may need to lie still for a few hours to prevent bleeding.
You will feel pain and soreness at the catheter site. The doctor will give you drugs to relieve the pain.
Within a few hours, you will get out of bed to a chair. The staff will help you begin to walk around.
The doctor may order more tests before you are sent home.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: � �

Prevent blood clots
Help with pain

What problems could happen?

Infection
Bruising
Bleeding
Blood clots
Injury to blood vessels
Stroke
Allergy or kidney problem from the dye used

When do I need to call the doctor?

Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: � �

Signs of stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Call your doctor if you have: � �

Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; chest pain; shortness of breath, bad cough; blue skin color; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 � �F (38 � �C) or higher, chills.
Any signs including pain, swelling, bleeding, coldness, or color change at the catheter site; dizziness, fainting, or tiredness
Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Where can I learn more?

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute � �
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pad/diagnosis.html � �
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/stroke/diagnosis.html � �

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �

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