What is arteriography?

Arteriography (also called angiography or catheterization) is a test that uses a small tube called a catheter inserted into a blood vessel, dye, and X-rays to look at your blood vessels. The test may be used to look for abnormal areas in blood vessels, blood clots, tumors, abnormal bleeding, or to check blood flow after an organ transplant. It can also be used to guide your healthcare provider in treating any problems found during the test.

How is arteriography done?

Before the test:

• Your healthcare provider will ask you to sign a consent form for arteriography. The consent form will state the reason you are having the test, what happens during the test, and what you may expect afterward.
• Your provider may have you prepare for the test by not eating or drinking anything the day of the arteriography.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines.
• Tell your provider if you have had kidney problems or an allergy to chemicals, such as contrast dye.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any medicines, including nonprescription drugs, herbal remedies, or illegal drugs (if any).
• Tell your provider if you are or think you may be pregnant.
• You will have a small tube (IV catheter) inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. This will allow medicine to be given directly into your blood and to give you fluids, if needed.
• You may be asked to remove any jewelry you are wearing.

During the test:

• You may be given a sedative through your IV to help you to relax.
• You will be given medicine called anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain. Local anesthesia numbs the skin where you will have the procedure.
• Your provider will insert a small tube (catheter) into your blood vessel and move it through the blood vessels to the area to be tested. X-rays may be taken to make sure the catheter is in the proper place.
• Dye will be injected into the IV in your vein. This may cause you to feel suddenly very warm or have a taste of metal in your mouth.
• X-rays will be taken as the dye moves through your veins. This will allow your doctor to see any abnormal areas in blood vessels, blood clots, tumors, abnormal bleeding, or how the blood flows through your blood vessels.
• Your blood oxygen level may be monitored by a sensor that is attached to your finger or earlobe.
• A cardiac (heart) monitor will be used to keep track of your heart rate and rhythm.

After the test:

• You may stay in the hospital for a few hours or several days to recover, depending on your condition and your test results.
• If you stay in the hospital after your test:
  • You will be checked often by nursing staff.
  • Your blood oxygen level may be monitored by a sensor that is attached to your finger or earlobe.
  • A cardiac (heart) monitor may be used to keep track of your heart rate and rhythm.
  • There will be a dressing on the arteriography insertion site. The dressing will be checked and changed by your provider or the nursing staff as needed.
  • Your provider may prescribe medicine to:
    • Treat pain
    • Help prevent blood clots
    • Slow the heart rate and reduce the workload of the heart
    • Relax and widen blood vessels and allow blood to flow through them easier
    • Control cholesterol levels
• Your provider will use your test results to make a plan for your care.

What can I do to help?

• You will need to tell your healthcare team if you have new or worsening:
  • Chest pain or pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back (may feel like indigestion or heartburn)
  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders, or in your back, neck, jaw, or stomach
  • Trouble breathing
  • Breaking out in a cold sweat for no known reason
  • Along with the previous symptoms, feeling very tired, faint, or sick to your stomach
  • Feeling like your heart is beating too fast, too slow, or skipping beats
  • Feeling of thumping, pounding, or racing in your neck
  • Hives or severe itching
  • Increased pain at the arteriography insertion site
  • Nausea
• Ask questions about any medicine, treatment, or information that you do not understand.

How can I take care of myself when I go home?

Call emergency medical services or 911 if you have new or worsening:

• Throat swelling
• Trouble breathing
• Severe bleeding from the arteriography insertion site.

Call your healthcare provider if you have new or worsening:

• Itching
• Rash
• Sweating
• Bleeding from the insertion site that does not stop.

Follow activity restrictions, such as not driving or operating machinery, as recommended by your healthcare provider or pharmacist, especially if you are taking pain medicines or muscle relaxants.

What does the test result mean?

This test is only one part of a larger picture that includes your medical history and current health. Talk to your healthcare provider about your result and any follow up care you may need.

If your test results are not normal, ask your healthcare provider:

• If you need additional tests
• If you need treatment, and if so what your treatment plan choices are
• If you need to make any lifestyle changes to keep your blood vessels healthy