Angiogram Test Prep
What is an angiogram?An angiogram is an x-ray examination of your arteries (blood vessels). Angiography can be used to look at arteries in the body. A specially trained doctor, known as an interventional radiologist, performs the angiogram. During the procedure, the interventional radiologist places a catheter or small tube into one of your arteries and injects contrast material (commonly called "dye") into vessel while taking x-rays of the area. 
Where is the exam performed? How long does it take? The arteriogram is performed in the Radiology Department on the B1 level of our Hospital. The angiogram takes about one to two hours to finish. Sometimes, it may take longer. In other cases, the interventional radiologist will do a second procedure, such as an angioplasty, at the same time as the angiogram. This makes the procedure take longer. 
What is an angiogram like? There are three major steps to having an angiogram. First, the catheter insertion. The interventional radiologist will clean the area where the catheter will be inserted. This area is at the top of the leg or rarely on the upper arm. The doctor will then put a local anesthetic in the skin. After that, you will feel pressure when the catheter is inserted into the artery in the numbed area. The catheter is then guided through the body to the artery that is being studied by watching it on an x-ray screen (similar to a TV screen). You will not feel the catheter moving through your arteries. Second, the contrast injection. When the catheter is positioned correctly, contrast (x-ray dye) will be injected through the catheter while X-ray pictures are taken. When the contrast is injected, you will feel hot inside (this lasts for only a few seconds). In many cases, several contrast injections and several sets of X-rays are needed to complete an examination. Third, the catheter removal. After the examination is completed, the interventional radiologist will remove the catheter from the artery. Removing the catheter does not hurt. Pressure will be applied to the area where the catheter was for 10 to 20 minutes. This pressure is to stop the artery from bleeding.

How do I prepare for my angiogram?

• Eating: Do not eat any solid food for 6 hours prior to your procedure, you may have *clear liquids up to 2 hours prior to the procedure.
   *clear liquids: water, apple juice, tea, orange juice is not a clear liquid.
• Medications: Most people should continue to take their prescribed medications. Ask your physician for instructions. Bring all your medications with you.
• Allergies: If you are allergic to contrast (X-ray dye) or iodine, let your doctor know as soon as possible. Let the interventional radiologist know about your allergy a few days before your scheduled angiogram.
• Smoking: Do not smoke for at least 24 hours before your angiography procedure.

When I Arrive in the Radiology Department:

• Everybody having an angiogram will have blood tests that are usually done the day before the angioplasty.
• You will change into a hospital gown.
• Intravenous (IV) line will be placed in one of your veins. This will be used to give you fluids and medicines during the procedure. The IV will stay in place until your recovery is completed.
• Before your angiogram begins, a member of the interventional radiology team (doctor, nurse, or technologist) will talk with you about the procedure in detail and answer any questions you have.

After The Procedure

• You will return from the radiology department to your hospital room, and the nursing staff will observe you to make sure you are all right.
• The radiologist will send a report to your doctor after he has studied your x-rays. It is best to ask your doctor for the exam results.

Call your doctor immediately if:

• You start to bleed where the catheter was inserted. If you start to bleed, lie down flat and apply pressure on the bleeding area.
• There is any change in the color or the temperature of the area where the catheter was inserted. There is numbness, coolness or a change in color of the arm or leg where the catheter was inserted.

Scheduling
If you have any questions regarding Arteriogram scheduling, please call 02-27715181 ext.2737.