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ANGIOGRAPHY

What is an angiogram?

Angiography uses x-rays and an Image intensifier to take real time images, like a movie.  The doctor will introduce a small tube into your blood vessel and inject contrast through the tube, allowing the blood vessels to be seen clearly on the images.

Images of your blood vessels guide your doctor in diagnosing and treating a variety of illnesses. These may include angioplasty, tumour treatment and treatment of other diseases involving blood vessels.
The angiography treatment process is called interventional radiology.

What procedures can I have done at Sandringham Hospital Radiology Department?

At Sandringham, we offer a wide range of diagnostic and interventional (keyhole surgery) angiographic procedures, including:
  • Womens’ Health
    • Fibroid management
    • Chronic pelvic pain management
  • Mens’ Health
    • Sexual Dysfunction
    • Varicoele
  • Cerebral (Head)
    • Diagnostic studies
    • Aneurysm coiling
  • Vascular
    • Peripheral vascular disease
    • Diagnostic studies
    • Angioplasty
    • Stenting
    • Dialysis access and maintenance
    • Vascular malformation treatment
    • Varicose veins management
    • Vessel embolisation for tumors, trauma and haemorrhage management
    • Long term vascular access insertion
    • Inferior Vena Cava filter insertion and retrieval

How do I prepare for my angiogram?        

  • If you have been referred for an angiogram by your doctor and would like to make a booking, please contact 9076 1411
  • Please inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, a heart condition, high blood pressure, diabetes, take any regular medication, or have ever had an allergy to contrast.
  • Please bring all relevant previous medical imaging.

Just prior to the procedure

  • You will be asked to fast immediately before the procedure.  However, please take your regular medication unless advised not to by your doctor.
  • You will need to wear hospital gown

During the examination

  • A Radiologist, a Radiographer and a Radiology Nurse will perform this procedure.
  • The time it takes to perform an angiogram can vary depending on your procedure.  Your radiologist will advise you on the day.
  • During this procedure you will only need local anesthetic at the insertion site to numb your skin.  You will not be able to feel the tube inside you.  You may see the images and talk to your doctor during the examination.
  • At the end of the procedure, the tube will be removed and the insertion site compressed until all bleeding has stopped.

What do I do after the examination is finished?

  • You will be observed by nursing staff for up to 4 hours.  During this time, you will rest in bed.
  • Eat and drink normally after the examination, unless otherwise directed.
  • You will be given an information sheet at discharge about your procedure.
  • Return to your doctor to discuss the examination results.
  • The radiologist’s report and your images are automatically forwarded to your doctor.
 






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