dsa

Your Angiogram (DSA)

What is an Angiogram?
An Angiogram is performed by a specialist xray doctor, a radiologist and is assisted by a registered nurse and a radiographer. A small needle puncture is made into an artery (usually in the groin) and a tiny plastic tube is inserted into the artery your doctor has requested us to view ie. leg arteries, kidney arteries, arteries of the neck - and then a watery fluid called 'contrast'(sometimes called 'dye') is injected into the blood vessel which enable them to become visible with xrays. A series of xray pictures is taken, which gives us a 'map' of the blood vessel.

What will I feel or hear? What are the risks?
An angiogram involves the use of local anaesthetic (just like going to the dentist or receiving stitches). This injection often stings at first, then the small area over the blood vessel will go numb. During the procedure, you may be asked to hold your breath for a short time. When the contrast is injected you will have to lie still. You may feel a 'hot' flush and a metallic taste under the tongue. A small number of patients experience some nausea and vomiting, which usually quickly passes. You may experience a drop in blood pressure and sometimes feel a little short of breath, these feeling occur infrequently.
The risk of serious complications are rare. Sometimes, very rarely, the procedure can cause the artery to 'block off' and an operation may be necessary. A fatal outcome from ANY complication is extremely rare. In the vast majority of cases, you will NOT experience any complications

What do I have to do prior to the angiogram examination?
It is essential that you bring with you any previous angiograms, xrays or ultrasounds you may have that relate to this examination. It is important that you are well hydrated prior to your angiogram.
The day before your angiogram you should increase the amount of water that you drink and include and extra five (5) glasses of water (unless otherwise advised by your doctor or existing medical condition).
You will also need to have a blood test done, within ten (10) days of your angiogram to check on kidney function (urea and creatinine).
If you take WARFARIN tablets, you MUST stop taking these for 6 full days before your angiogram and have a blood test (INR) done the day before your angiogram. ALL other medication should be continued, as normal with the EXCEPTION of blood thinning medication ie. aspirin AND diuretics ie. lasix.
Both aspirin and lasix should NOT be taken the day of the procedure. (for further information on medication and your angiogram, please phone North Coast Radiology at St. Vincent's hospital).

What do I have to do during the examination?
This procedure is performed in a special xray room. You will change into a hospital gown. You will be lying down. You will need to lie still.
If the angiogram is of your legs, we may add some padded strapping around your legs to help you keep them still and so they remain in the 'frame' of our picture. You may be asked to hold your breath for a short time during the angiogram. Assistance will always be close by.
Your heart and blood pressure and finger oxygen monitor will be used throughout the procedure. This is routine. Once all the xray images are taken, you will be transferred to our recovery area and the doctor will remove the plastic tube and firm pressure will be used to push on the area until the bleeding stops. This usually takes about 10 - 15 minutes.

How long does the examination take?
On average, the angiogram takes about one hour to complete. You may be discharged from the Angiogram Suite one hour after your angiogram is completed, if you are staying in hospital overnight. If you will be a 'day only' case, you will stay for a minimum of 3 hours from the end of the procedure.

Will this test cure and or treat my symptoms?
No. An angiogram is a diagnostic test only.

When will the results be available to me?
Usually on the same day. Your referring doctor will advise you of the result and discuss the options with you when you see them.

Regarding your account
Angiogram fee is 'bulked billed' through medicare. There is no additional payment required. It is essential that you bring you medicare card and veteran affairs card, if applicable. For angioplasty procedures you will need appropriate private health cover.

Angiogram and Angioplasty? What's the difference? An angioplasty is similar to an angiogram. The area of the blood vessel that is narrowed is identified and then a specialist catheter, with a balloon at the tip is inflated over the area. Sometimes a metallic 'stent' will be inserted permanently to help keep the vessel open.