Index
What is it?
Arteriography is a test that uses x-rays to take pictures after your doctor injects a special dye into a blood vessel.
The test can look for abnormal areas in the blood vessels, blood clots, tumors, abnormal bleeding, or control blood flow after an organ transplant.
It can also guide your doctor in treating any problems encountered during the test.
How is Arteriography performed?
Before the test:
- Your doctor will ask you to sign a consent form for Arteriography. The consent form will indicate the reason for the exam, what happens during the exam and what to expect later.
- Your doctor can make you prepare for the test by not eating or drinking anything on the day of the Arteriography.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to medications or the dye used in a previous medical procedure.
- Tell your doctor if you take any medication, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, or illegal drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you are or think you may be pregnant.
- You will have a small tube (intravenous catheter) inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. This will allow the medicine to be administered directly to your blood and give you fluids, if necessary.
- You may be asked to remove the jewelry you are wearing.
During the exam:
- You may be given a sedative, which will help you relax. This is usually administered in your vein.
- A local anesthetic will be distributed to numb the needle’s area into the skin.
- Your doctor will insert a small tube (catheter) into your blood vessel and move it to the area to be analyzed. X-rays can be taken to ensure the catheter is in the right place.
- The colorant will be injected intravenously. This can make you feel suddenly boiling or have a metal taste in your mouth.
- X-rays will be taken as the dye moves through your veins. This will allow your doctor to see any abnormal areas in the blood vessels, blood clots, tumors, abnormal bleeding, or how blood flows through the blood vessels.
- Your blood oxygen level can be monitored by a sensor connected to your finger or lobe of the ear.
- A heart monitor (heart) will be used to control the rhythm of your heart.
After the exam:
- You are likely to stay in the hospital for a few hours or several days to recover, depending on your condition and the test results.
- The nursing staff will review it frequently.
- Your blood oxygen level can be monitored by a sensor connected to your finger or lobe of the ear.
- A heart monitor (heart) can be used to control the frequency and rhythm of your heart.
- There will be a bandage at the insertion site of the Arteriography. The application will be reviewed and modified by your doctor or nurse.
Your doctor may prescribe medications for:
- Treat pain
- Prevent blood clots
- Reduce heart rate and reduce the workload of the heart
- Relax and widen blood vessels and allow blood to flow through them easier
- Control cholesterol levels
- Your doctor will use your test results to develop a plan for your care.
After being discharged, inform the doctor if the presence of the following symptoms is present:
- Discomfort in the chest (pressure or pain) that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back, or ache in the chest that reaches the arms, neck, jaw, or back
- Chills or sweats
- Bruise or bleeding
- Fainting or fainting
- Rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat or feeling of a strong heartbeat in the chest or neck
- Hives or severe itching
- Increased pain at the insertion site of Arteriography
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
- Ask questions about any medication, treatment, or information you do not understand.
Patient care at home
Follow the activity restrictions, such as not driving or using machinery, as your doctor recommends, especially if you take painkillers or muscle relaxants.
Results of Arteriography
This test is only one part of a group of factors that includes your medical history and current health. Talk to your doctor about your result and any follow-up care you may need.
If the results of your Arteriography are not typical, consult your doctor:
- If you need additional tests
- If you need treatment, and if so, what are your treatment plan options?
- If you need to make changes in your lifestyle to keep your blood vessels healthy
