An angiogram is a medical procedure designed to visualize blood vessels throughout the body. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube, called a catheter, into a large artery, typically in the groin or wrist. This allows healthcare providers to inject a special contrast material, which makes the blood vessels visible on X-ray images, revealing any blockages or narrow areas. After the catheter is removed, the small puncture in the artery needs time to heal.
Angiogram Access Sites and Initial Recovery
Angiograms use two main access points: the femoral artery in the groin or the radial artery in the wrist. The femoral artery provides a larger vessel for access, while the radial artery leads to a more comfortable recovery and quicker mobilization.
After catheter removal, direct pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop bleeding and begin sealing. Sometimes, a closure device may be used to seal the artery. Patients with groin access need to lie flat for several hours (two to six hours) to prevent bleeding and allow initial healing. For wrist access, immobilization is less restrictive, requiring the wrist to be kept straight for a few hours.
During this time, medical staff closely monitor the puncture site for signs of bleeding or complications. This phase establishes a stable clot and initiates the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Patients receive instructions on site management and light activity.
Typical Artery Healing Timeline
The healing process following an angiogram begins immediately after the procedure and continues over several weeks to months. Initially, within the first few hours to days, a clot forms at the puncture site to seal the artery, and the external skin incision is covered with a dressing. Mild soreness and bruising around the access site are common and typically subside within a day or two.
Skin and surrounding tissue healing progresses over the first week. Tenderness resolves within a week, and bruising fades over one to three weeks, sometimes persisting longer. A small, firm lump (hematoma) may form under the skin and take up to six weeks to disappear.
While external healing resolves quickly, the internal artery wall takes longer to strengthen and repair. Over weeks to months, scar tissue forms to permanently seal the small opening made by the catheter. The full internal repair ensures the integrity of the arterial wall is restored. Radial artery access often allows for quicker mobilization and earlier discharge, while femoral artery access generally requires more prolonged bed rest and activity restrictions.
Promoting Healing and Recognizing Concerns
Keep the puncture site clean and dry to support healing. Showering is typically allowed 24 to 48 hours after, but avoid baths, hot tubs, or swimming for about one week to prevent infection. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several days to one or two weeks, following specific weight restrictions from healthcare staff. Drinking plenty of fluids helps the body flush out the contrast dye used during the procedure.
During recovery, mild bruising, tenderness, and a small lump at the access site are common. These are normal and should gradually improve. However, be aware of signs indicating a complication requiring prompt medical attention.
Contact a healthcare provider immediately if:
- Excessive bleeding from the site that does not stop with firm pressure.
- A lump at the site rapidly grows and becomes painful.
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site.
- Red streaks extending from the area.
- Pus-like drainage or a fever.
- Numbness, tingling, coldness, or a bluish discoloration in the limb used for the procedure.