An angiogram is a diagnostic imaging procedure that visualizes blood vessels to detect blockages or narrowing. It uses X-rays and an injected contrast dye to highlight blood flow. The overall duration, from preparation to recovery, varies based on individual circumstances and findings.
The Angiogram Procedure Itself
The active imaging portion of an angiogram typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. A thin, flexible catheter is inserted into a large artery, often in the groin or wrist, after local anesthetic. The catheter is guided to the specific blood vessels being examined. Contrast dye is injected, making the vessels visible on X-ray images. Patients might feel a temporary warm or flushed sensation as the dye enters their bloodstream.
Factors Influencing the Procedure’s Length
Several factors influence the angiogram’s duration. The type of angiogram plays a role; for example, a coronary angiogram examines the heart, while cerebral angiograms focus on the brain, and peripheral angiograms target extremities. Examining multiple or complex areas requires additional time.
The complexity of findings can also extend the procedure. If blockages are identified, the medical team may need more detailed imaging. If an angioplasty or stent placement is performed immediately after diagnosis to treat a blockage, this will prolong the procedure. Patient cooperation, including remaining still during imaging, also affects progress.
Your Entire Hospital Visit
The total hospital visit for an angiogram, encompassing preparation, the procedure, and initial recovery, typically ranges from several hours to a full day. Before the procedure, patients undergo a preparation phase that includes registration, changing into a hospital gown, and often the insertion of an intravenous (IV) line. Medical history and current medications are reviewed, and patients may receive a mild sedative.
Following the angiogram, a recovery period is necessary for close observation. Healthcare staff monitor vital signs, check the catheter insertion site for bleeding or complications, and ensure the patient is stable before discharge. This post-procedure observation often involves lying flat for several hours, particularly if the catheter was inserted in the groin, to prevent bleeding. Many patients can go home the same day, but some may require an overnight stay depending on the procedure’s results or if additional interventions were performed.
After You Leave: Recovery at Home
Once discharged, patients receive specific instructions for recovery at home. Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting (often defined as anything over 10 pounds), and excessive bending for 24 to 72 hours. If the catheter was inserted in the groin, patients are advised to avoid stairs or limit stair climbing for the first couple of days.
Wound care for the catheter insertion site is important; keep a bandage on for 24 to 48 hours. Showering may be permitted after this period, though baths are discouraged for up to a week to prevent infection. Drinking plenty of fluids is encouraged to flush the contrast dye out of the body. Mild discomfort or bruising at the insertion site is common, but seek medical attention for signs of complications such as severe pain, swelling, fever, or persistent bleeding.