Arteriogram

An arteriogram is an imaging procedure utilizing x-rays and a specialized dye to visualize the interior of arteries. This diagnostic tool is applicable for examining arteries in various parts of the body, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and more.

Associated tests encompass:

• Aortic angiography (chest or abdomen)
• Cerebral angiography (brain)
• Coronary angiography (heart)
• Extremity angiography (legs or arms)
• Pulmonary angiography (lungs)
• Renal arteriography (kidneys)
• Mesenteric angiography (colon or small bowel)
• Pelvic angiography (pelvis)
• Hepatic angiography (liver)

Procedure Overview:

1. The test is conducted at Our Surgery Center in Long Beach.
2. The patient lies on an x-ray table, and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the injection site.
3. Typically, an artery in the groin is used, but in some cases, the wrist artery may be employed.
4. A catheter, approximately the width of a pen tip, is inserted into the chosen artery and navigated to the targeted body area.
5. The patient generally does not feel the presence of the catheter.
6. If needed, a sedative can be administered for anxiety relief.
7. Contrast dye is injected into the artery, and x-rays capture its flow through the bloodstream.

Preparation:

• Preparation specifics vary based on the examined body part.
• Patients may be advised to cease certain medications or blood-thinning drugs.
• It’s essential not to discontinue any medication without consulting the healthcare provider.
• Fasting from food and drink may be necessary for a few hours before the test.

Sensations and Post-Procedure:

• Discomfort from a needle stick may be experienced.
• Symptoms like flushing may occur during dye injection, with variations depending on the body area examined.
• After an injection in the groin, lying flat for a few hours is common to minimize bleeding, though it may be uncomfortable.

Purpose of the Test:

An arteriogram is performed to assess blood flow in arteries, identify blockages or damage, visualize tumors, or locate sources of bleeding. Often performed concurrently with treatment, it has been replaced by CT or MR arteriography in many areas where no treatment is planned.