Angiography (examination of the blood vessels)
An angiography is a highly specialised examination of the blood vessels involving a contrast fluid that is injected into the patient and the fitting of a small tube in a large blood vessel. A number of photos are taken in succession to provide a dynamic image of the blood circulation (working of the blood vessels). As this is a complex examination, it is always carried out in direct consultation with your treating doctor.
IADSA (Intra-Arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography)
With an IADSA (Intra-Arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography), the product is administered via an artery. Sometimes you may have to stay in hospital overnight for observation.
Procedure
- For this examination you will usually be admitted to hospital on the day before or on the morning of the procedure. The preparation you will need depends on which blood vessels are to be examined.
- We take you into the angiography room on a bed, and you lie down on the examination table. The doctor administers a local anaesthetic to your groin and then inserts a needle into the artery in your groin. The needle is replaced by a port through which a long, thin catheter is inserted all the way to the area to be examined. The contrast agent is injected through this catheter. This causes a localised warm sensation.
- As soon as all the X-ray images have been taken, the catheter and port are removed and pressure is applied to the needle insertion site for about 15 minutes.
- Afterwards a firm pressure dressing will be applied to your groin and you will need absolute bed rest for 24 hours.