Angiography is a process by which dye is injected in the specific peripheral blood vessels (arteries). The angiography consists of X-ray pictures that are taken of the arteries once the dye is injected. Those X-rays show the walls of the arteries to give a better view of the blockages that may exist.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, the night before the procedure.
- You will be allowed to take your morning medications, with sips of water, unless your doctor directs you differently.
An intravenous catheter (IV) will be started for fluids and medications. You will receive a numbing agent in the groin area, where the catheter will be placed. This catheter is inserted through an artery in the groin. Dye is injected through the catheter, which allows the doctor to look at your peripheral arteries. You may feel a flushed sensation or a sensation of urination as the dye is injected. This only lasts a few seconds and fades quickly.
The testing takes approximately 30 – 60 minutes.
Notify the staff immediately if you experience any bleeding or swelling of the groin site. You will need to keep the site dry for approximately 24 – 48 hours, and will not be allowed to soak the leg (in a bathtub or swimming pool) for approximately one week. Notify the office if you develop a fever, redness at the groin site, or notice drainage or swelling from the groin site.