Coronary Angiography / Angiogram
Angiography is an imaging technique which is used to blood vessels in the body; used to check blocked or enlarged arteries or veins in the body.
What happens during coronary angiography
The doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube, called a catheter, which is threaded into the desired artery that is usually in the arm or in the groin. A dye or contrast material is injected through the catheter which makes the blood flowing inside the blood vessels visible to create the X-ray images & also shows blocked or enlarged blood vessel. The movement of dye is recorded as an angiogram & viewed on a monitor.
This dye is later eliminated from the body through kidneys.
How long will a coronary angiography take?
The procedure lasts 30 to 60 minutes.
If a stent is placed during angiography, it might take a bit long
When can the patient go home after coronary angiography?
The patient stays in the hospital for several hours or overnight following the procedure. The patient is advised to drink fluids to prevent dehydration and flush the dye through the kidneys.
What are the side effects after Coronary Angiography?
After an angiogram, the patient may have:
- Bruising
- Soreness
- A very small bump or collection of blood near where the cut was made
These problems generally fade away in few days or weeks.
FAQs
Is angiography test painful?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia; so the patient doesn’t feel any pain.
How long does it take to recover from an angiogram?
The patient can return to work 3 days after an angiogram.
Is an angiogram considered a surgery?
An angiogram is not a surgery, it is a special X-ray test.
How safe is an angiogram?
Angiograms are generally safe, but they are not performed on patients who are too ill to undergo bypass surgery or angioplasty.
How soon can the patient fly after an angiogram?
The patient may be able to fly after 2 days of the angiogram.