Angiography
"It is a radiographic technique that uses a dye that is injected into the heart's chambers or the coronary arteries".
What is angiography?
Angiography is a special procedure that uses x-rays to obtain images (angiograms) of blood vessels.
We have new equipment that allows us to perform 3D angiography.
It is a rotational system with which multiple images are obtained in numerous projections with different degrees of obliquity.
Once the images are acquired, they can be transferred to the workstation, where the three-dimensional reconstructions are elaborated.
Subsequently, the information is sent to the angiographer, which is automatically placed in the optimal position required to begin the intervention.
It is especially useful for treating intracranial aneurysms, as well as stenotic arterial lesions (narrowing of the vessels), since with this system they can be evaluated from any projection.
When is angiography indicated?
It allows to measure the flow and blood pressure of heart chambers, as well as to determine if the coronary arteries are obstructed.
The radiologist, assisted by a specialized nursing team, visualizes on a special X-ray television screen the passage of the catheter through the vessels, and when it reaches the area of interest, it injects through this catheter contrast products, which contain iodine, so that it clearly delimits the vessels and achieves a very clear image of the vessels.
In certain cases, another route of access to the bloodstream can be selected.
Diseases in which angiographic tests are requested
Do you have any of these diseases?
You may need to have an angiogram
How is angiography performed?
Performing the angiography
Your vital signs (heart rate and blood pressure) will be taken periodically.
Your foot pulse will be taken, your groin area will be shaved, cleaned with iodine and the area will be covered with sterile cloths.
You will be given relaxing medication and analgosedation (a type of anesthesia that will keep you sleepy but conscious and able to talk throughout the procedure).
The radiologist will locally anesthetize the puncture area with local anesthesia and proceed to locate and puncture the vascular entry point. You will notice pressure on the area. In the same way that we are not aware of our circulation, we do not feel it, nor are we aware of the presence of a catheter inside the artery or vein.
Only when the contrast is injected will you feel heat or burning that will disappear in seconds. Simultaneously, the radiologist will give you breathing instructions while he or she is taking the x-rays.
Once the necessary information has been obtained, the doctor will remove the catheter and apply pressure to the puncture site for 10-20 minutes, which will be reinforced with a bandage.
Possible complications during angiography
Occasionally, undesirable side effects of a mild nature (pain, discomfort) may occur and exceptionally they may be serious (massive bleeding, shock, etc.). Consult and let us know if you have nausea, discomfort, headache, cold feeling, foot corkiness, or swelling or heat in the puncture area.
Iodine contrasts, on occasion, may cause allergic-type reactions, which are mostly banal (nausea, skin rashes, etc.) and exceptionally can be serious (drop in blood pressure, glottis edema, etc.). If you suffer from allergies or have had adverse reactions to contrasts before, you should inform us beforehand.
In order to reduce the incidence of these complications as much as possible, it is necessary that you follow the instructions of the health personnel carrying out the test carefully.
Post-Angiography Care
- You will wait 6-8 hours in the recovery room keeping the limb straight. You should ask for help if you need to change your posture.
- You will replace fluids, since contrast makes you urinate a lot.
- Your vital signs, puncture site and foot pulses will be checked periodically.
Where do we do it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
The Radiology Service
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
We have the most advanced technology to perform diagnostic radiological tests: PET-CT (the first equipment of these characteristics installed in Spain), 1.5 and 3 tesla magnetic resonances, latest generation digital mammography, etc.
We have an innovative system for archiving and communicating medical images, which facilitates their storage and handling for better diagnostic capacity.
Organized in specialized areas
- Neck and chest area
- Abdominal area
- Musculoskeletal area
- Neuroradiology Area
- Breast Area
- Interventional radiology Area
Why at the Clinica?
- We are the private center with the largest technological equipment in Spain.
- Specialists with extensive experience, trained in centers of national and international reference.
- We collaborate in a multidisciplinary way with the rest of the Clinic's departments.
