Arteriogram (angiogram)

An arteriogram is an X-ray imaging test used by physicians to evaluate whether blood vessels (arteries) are narrowed, blocked, enlarged or malformed. (This procedure is also called an angiogram.)

The Procedure

The physician inserts a thin tube (a catheter) into the body through an artery, most often in the groin area (upper leg). The catheter can be moved around into other arteries to allow the physician to evaluate them. To obtain the X-ray images, the physician injects dye (called contrast) through the catheter into the artery of interest. This allows the physician to see the arteries on live X-ray (fluoroscopy). Your child will be protected by an X-ray shield during the procedure. Then the X-rays images are taken. After the catheter is removed, a bandage is applied to the catheter insertion site.

This procedure generally takes one to three hours to complete.

Anesthesia

Patients receive either IV sedation or general anesthesia and are asleep for this procedure.

Pain

Some children experience a warming sensation from the contrast dye. Some may feel mild discomfort around the catheter insertion site for several days after the procedure.

Risks

The procedure is considered low-risk. However, potential complications include:

• tenderness, bruising or swelling where the catheter was inserted
• pain, numbness or coolness in the arm or leg
• injury to the blood vessels
• blood clots
• stroke
• allergic reaction to X-ray dye (contrast reaction)
• reduced kidney function

After the Procedure

Your child will be monitored for four to six hours in the recovery area. It is very important that your child keep the arm or leg that was punctured straight and still during that time. This will reduce the risk of bleeding at the site.

Bathing

Bandages must stay dry and in place for 48 hours. Your child should not take a bath or shower during that time. While the bandage is still on, you may sponge bathe your child, taking care to keep the bandage dry and in place.

After 48 hours, you may remove the gauze and clear bandage but do not remove the white Steri-Strips®. If the Steri-Strips have not fallen off after seven days, you may remove them. (Note: Not all children will have Steri-Strips.)

After 48 hours, your child can resume bathing as usual. However, if your child has Steri-Strips, do not submerge the site in water (bath or pool) until they have fallen off.

Activity restrictions

Your child can resume activity such as school or day care. However, you should limit your child’s physical activity and particularly avoid contact sports such as football or rough playing for one week.