Patient Information for
Outpatient Neuroradiology Angiograms

What is an angiogram?

An angiogram is an x-ray of a blood vessel. It is used to diagnosis and treat vascular conditions.

Preparation for outpatient angiogram:

1. Do no eat anything after midnight the night before the angiogram. If you take medication you should generally continue to take all medication. The exception would be taking any blood thinning medications and you should discuss this with your physician before the procedure.

2. On the day of the angiogram you will meet one of the neuroradiologists and he or she will explain the procedure and answer any questions may have.

3. Be prepared to stay in the hospital for at least 8 hours for your outpatient angiogram. Make sure that a relative or friend is available to take you home. You should not drive since we often use sedation that will affect your ability to drive a car.

What happens during the angiogram?

You will have to change into a hospital gown and lay on a radiographic table. A nurse will start an intravenous line and you will be connected to an EKG and an oxygen monitor. The area in your groin will be shaved, cleaned with a sterile solution, and then draped with sterile towels. Numbing medicine will be given as well as intravenous sedation and pain medication. The neuroradiologist will insert a catheter (small plastic tube) into the artery in your groin and this catheter will be advanced to the artery in the neck or head that is under investigation. To see the blood vessel a small amount of contrast (radiographic dye) will be injected and pictures will be taken. Several different vessels may be examined in different projections.

After finishing the procedure the radiologist will hold pressure on the puncture site in the groin to prevent bleeding.

What happens after the procedure?

After the procedure you will be moved back to the recovery room, where you will be laying flat. You will be encouraged to take oral fluids. The recovery period is 4 to 6 hours and then you will be able to return home with your companion.

What should I do when I get home?

1. You should drink plenty of fluids.
2. Assume your normal diet and continue to take your medications.
3. Avoid strenuous activity for at least 12 hours.
4. Do not take a hot bath or shower for at least 12 hours.

When do I find out the results?

The results of the angiogram will be communicated to the doctor that referred you. He/she will contact you to discuss the findings and what to do next.

If you experience any of the following symptoms call the neuroradiologist-on-call at (585) 275-2222.

1. Bleeding at the puncture site.
2. Unusual pain or swelling at the puncture site.
3. Abnormal discoloration or temperature change at the puncture site.