Interventional radiology angiogram
Introduction
An angiogram is an X-ray examination of the arteries (vessels that supply blood to your body). A dye (known as ‘contrast’) is injected into an artery using a fine plastic tube called a catheter. The dye allows us to see detailed pictures of your arteries. This information will help us to decide what the best treatment is for you.
Before you come in
Please let your doctor or X-ray nurse know before your procedure if you take warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel (tablets to thin the blood), metformin (tablet for diabetes), have asthma, or any allergies.
You will need to have a blood test during the week before your angiogram. Please take the forms that you were given at your clinic appointment to the blood test clinic on the Lower Ground Floor near Lift Bank C between 8am and 4:30pm. Your angiogram cannot be carried out without this blood test.
Please arrange to have an escort home after your procedure and a friend or family member (must be a responsible adult) to stay with you until the following day. This is very important otherwise you will not be able to have your angiogram.
Risks and benefits
You will benefit from this procedure as it will investigate your symptoms to help decide the best treatment for you.
It is common to have some bruising in your groin after this procedure. There is a very small risk of bleeding, or a reaction to the dye such as nausea or a rash. There is an extremely small risk of infection or damage to the blood vessel following which a surgical operation may sometimes be necessary. We will discuss all of the risks and benefits with you in detail before your procedure.
Day of your procedure
Please do not eat or drink for 6 hours before your procedure. Please take all your medications as usual (except aspirin, warfarin or clopidogrel). If you are diabetic, you may take your regular medications.
Before the procedure
A nurse will ask you about your health and current medication. They will take your blood pressure and pulse. You will be asked to change into a gown and remove your underwear.
You will also be seen by a doctor who will discuss the procedure with you before you sign a consent form. Please ask any questions you may have as it is important that you understand what is going to happen.
During the procedure
In the room you will lie on an X-ray bed. Your groin will be cleaned with antiseptic fluid and you will be covered with a sterile sheet. The doctor will give you an injection of local anaesthetic to numb the skin in your groin which will cause some stinging initially and then go numb.
Throughout the procedure a nurse will be with you who will monitor your pulse and blood pressure. The procedure should not cause you any pain.
The doctor will insert a catheter (fine plastic tube) into your artery. The dye will be injected through this catheter while X-ray pictures are taken. It is normal to experience a warm feeling through your body and a metallic taste in your mouth.
After the procedure
You will be monitored regularly for up to 2 hours. If there are no concerns after 2 hours of resting in bed, you will be able to mobilise. If you feel unwell at any time, please tell us.
Going home
Your escort will be able to collect you about 4 hours after your angiogram. A copy of the angiogram report will be sent to your specialist doctor.
After you are home
- You must avoid driving for 24 hours.
- You must avoid sport, excessive activity or lifting anything greater than 5 kg (11 lb) for the next 2–3 days.
- Remove the plaster from your groin the following day.
It is normal to have a very small amount of bleeding from the wound. Tenderness can last for a week, and bruising can last for 2 weeks. You may develop a small lump in your groin which may last up to 6 weeks.
Please contact your GP if you experience any redness in the groin that is warm to touch, fever, rash, numbness or pain in your leg when walking.
If you experience any significant bleeding or swelling in the groin, lie down and press firmly over the wound site to stop the bleeding—go to your nearest A&E.
Contact information
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Interventional Radiology Department
T: 020 3315 8570/8582