As Nurses at Associates in Vascular Care, our mission is to provide you with world class care in our very personal setting. Providing you with a secure, sterile procedure area, making your stay with us and the outcome of your Angiogram to be the best it can possible be.  These Questions and Answers are intended to help you visualize what your day will be like with us!

WHAT IS AN ANGIOGRAM?

An Angiogram is a test that uses a special X-ray to look at arteries or blood vessels in your body, that may have become blocked, narrowed or weak. The test is done by injecting X-ray contrast through the catheter put into an artery (in your groin or your ankle). The catheter is then advanced to the affected artery, a series of x-ray are then taken using the contrast which will allow the doctor to see a “road map” of your arteries and if necessary, the proper intervention will be performed.

WHAT TO EXPECT PRIOR TO ANGIOGRAM?

 We will ask if you have any allergies to medications or food, if you are allergic to x-ray contrast, iodine or shellfish. A complete Medical Physical will be obtained.  Blood test will be ordered, you may require an EKG and/or Chest X-ray as well. You will not be able eat or drink after midnight, the day of the procedure. Take your medicine as advised by the Pre-op Nurse. Remember to bring an updated medication list with you the day of the test, including over the counter meds. It is very important to report any medications that thin your blood, as well as medications for diabetes.  You will need someone to drive you home after this procedure, and stay with you overnight.  A Physician will explain the test to you, answer your questions and ask you to sign a written consent.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN ANGIOGRAM?

 An Angiogram is an outpatient test that can take 1-1 ½ hours.  An IV will be started, you will be given intravenous fluid before the procedure and receive medication thru this IV to help you relax. Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate, A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm, and a small probe will be placed on your finger to monitor your oxygen level. Oxygen will be given thru a small tube that will be placed on your nose.  The catheter entry area will be shaved, to ensure you do not feel pain during the procedure, the Doctor will inject a numbing medication, prior to inserting the catheter into the cleaned area and up to the affected area.  X-ray contrast will be injected to take pictures of the artery.  This injection could make you feel warm, and you may feel like you have the need to urinate. This is normal and should last only a minute.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER AN ANGIOGRAM?

The catheter in your artery will be removed, in the procedure room or recovery area, either direct pressure will be applied to the injection site until the bleeding stops or a closure device may be used to close the puncture area. You will have a dressing over the puncture site to remain in place for 24-48 hours.

The recovery period can be up to two hours after the procedure, where you will be required to keep your leg straight and lie flat, you will be monitor by a Registered Nurse. Your vital signs will be monitored, the access site and your pulses will be checked.  You will be provided liquids and a light snack and you will be asked to urinate (if applicable) prior to going home.  Discharge instructions will be reviewed with you and your family and a copy will be given.

At Associates in Vascular Care, our team wants to provide you with the best care to manage your Vascular System and improve your quality of life. We would like you to arrive as a patient and leave as part of our family!