If it is suspected that you may have peripheral arterial disease (PAOD), atheroscleroris, deep vein thrombosis or any other artery disorders, venous diseases or blood vessel problems, our doctor may require you to undergo angiogram. Before undergoing angiogram, it is good to have a background regarding how it works and what you should do to prepare for it. Additionally, it will certainly ease your anxiety if you also know the benefits of undergoing the procedure and why you should go through it.
Angiogram: What is it and how is it done?
In simple words, angiogram works just like x-ray. The only difference is that a radio-opaque dye will be used for better visualization. A camera will also be utilized to visualize the arteries and veins. Before the procedure, our physician will be asking certain medical questions. He may ask you about your allergies since individuals allergic to iodine should not undergo procedures which make use of radio-opaque dyes. After making sure that you are fit for the procedure, our doctor will then schedule you.
During the angiogram, anesthesia will be provided. A catheter will be inserted via the femoral vein or the brachial vein. The femoral vein is located in the groin while the brachial vein is located slightly above the elbow. The site of catheter insertion will depend on the area where occlusion or damage is suspected.
After inserting the catheter, the contrast dye, which is the radio-opaque dye, will be injected. Imaging will then be done to see any occlusions or damages to your arteries or veins.
Why go through Angiogram and what are the benefits?
The procedure is done by a vascular doctor in order to visualize the arteries and veins and determine any occlusions or damages which may be causing chronic venous insufficiencies and spider veins. It can also determine bulges in the system in cases of aneurysm. It is very important for you to undergo the procedure when indicated by your physician to prevent the complications which can be brought about by disorders of the arteries and the veins.
The main benefit of undergoing the procedure is that it is almost a definitive diagnostic procedure for several arterial and venous cases. By undergoing the procedure, the chances of determining your exact disorder canbe increased. Another benefit of undergoing the procedure is to determine if the need for surgery can be avoided. Surgical procedures involving the vascular system can be very risky.
Angiogram can also be performed during the performance of surgical procedures. It will serve as a guide among surgeons especially in certain complicated procedures.
Post Angiogram care
After the procedure, the catheter will be removed and the insertion site will be sutured. You will be staying in the hospital for a few hours for monitoring. You will be instructed to drink plenty of water to flush out the radio-opaque dye which was used in the procedure. You will also remain flat on bed and you will have to prevent being strained physically. After making sure that your body processes are stable, you can already go home.
If you feel pain or bleeding on the site, you will have to go back to the hospital immediately. Also, remember to call your physician immediately when you feel nauseous or when you experience difficulty of breathing or chest pains.
As long as you undergo angiogram with the right medical professional, you should feel secure about the procedure. It is important for you to undergo the process, as indicated by our Singapore doctor, to protect your health.
