Angiogram

An angiogram is a procedure to detect abnormalities in your blood vessels. Contrast dye is injected into the blood vessels while x-ray images are taken. The picture provides a road map of your vessels. Any blockages, narrowing, aneurysms or other abnormalities of the arteries are imaged. For example, a narrowed artery in the leg may cause pain when you walk; a narrowed kidney artery can cause high blood pressure; and narrowed arteries to the brain may cause vision problems or weakness. These images will aid in diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition.

During the procedure, monitoring devices will be used to watch your blood pressure and your heart rhythm. An area of your groin will be shaved and cleaned. The radiologist will numb the site, and a very small tube called a catheter will be inserted into the vessel. While viewing the x-ray picture on a monitor, the catheter is guided to the area to be studied. A series of x-rays is taken while the dye is injected into the vessel. The catheter may then be moved to other sites, and the process repeated so that all vessels of importance can be fully viewed. Most routine procedures take about an hour and a half. If the angiogram reveals a narrowed vessel, a balloon angioplasty or stent placement may be performed at the same time. When the procedure is completed, the catheter will be removed and pressure will be held on the entry site for 10-20 minutes.

After the procedure, you will be transferred back to Outpatient Services for approximately 4-6 hours of bed rest. You will be allowed to eat and encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to flush the dye from your system. During this time the catheter insertion site will be watched closely and your blood pressure and pulse will be monitored. Since a mild sedative is given during the procedure it will be necessary for you to have someone drive you home, and we recommend someone stay with you through the night. Results from your angiogram will be sent directly to your doctor who will then discuss them with you. 

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor or Imaging Services at (320) 255-5619.

Your appointment is on:

Date: ________________ Time: ________________ at the following location:

____ St. Cloud Hospital - please check in at Door A

____ CentraCare Health Plaza - please check in at Woodlands Entrance