Carotid Angiography
Carotid angiography is a type of X-ray test used to view the carotid arteries. These are the large blood vessels that supply your brain with blood. During the test, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is passed into an artery leading to the carotids. Contrast fluid is then injected through the catheter. The fluid makes it easier to see the carotids on the X-rays.
How do I get ready for a carotid angiography?
When should I call my health care provider?
Call your doctor if you have any of the following:
Talk to your doctor about the risks and complications of angiography.
Risks and Complications of Angiography
Angiography is safe. But any procedure has risks and possible complications. Below are common risks for angiography. They vary based on the part of the body being looked at. Discuss the risks with your health care provider. Be sure you understand them before you agree to have the procedure.
Possible Risks and Complications
The risks and possible complications for your procedure include the boxes checked below:
Be Sure to Tell Your Doctor
It is important that you tell your doctor:
· The names of all medications you take. This should include herbs, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.
· If you have had a reaction in the past to contrast dye or any medications
· If you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant. The procedure may need to wait until after the baby is born.
· If you have problems with your kidney functions.
How do I get ready for a carotid angiography?
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you may have, including any to contrast dye.
- Be sure your doctor knows about all medicines you take. You may be told to stop taking some or all of them before the test. Tell your doctor about:
- All prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines that don't need a prescription
- Any street drugs you may use
- Herbs, vitamins, kelp, seaweed, cough syrups, and other supplements
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you could be, or if you are breastfeeding.
- Don’t eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure. If your doctor says to take your normal medicines, swallow them with only small sips of water.
- Arrange for an adult family member or friend to drive you home.
- An IV (intravenous) line is started in your arm. You may also be given a sedative to help you relax.
- You’re given an injection to numb the site where the catheter is inserted. This is usually the groin area.
- A small puncture is made so the catheter can be inserted. Using X-rays, the catheter is then carefully guided into an artery.
- Contrast fluid is injected through the catheter into the artery. You may feel warmth or pressure in your legs, back, neck, or head. You will need to lie still as X-rays are taken of the carotids. You may be asked to hold your breath during injections. When the procedure is complete, the catheter is removed.
- You’ll be taken to a recovery area.
- A nurse will apply pressure to the insertion site for about 10 minutes.
- You’ll then need to lie flat for a few hours.
- Your doctor will discuss the results with you soon after the procedure.
- Don’t drive for 24 hours.
- Avoid walking, bending, lifting, and taking stairs for 24 hours.
- Avoid lifting anything over 5 pounds for 7 days.
When should I call my health care provider?
Call your doctor if you have any of the following:
Talk to your doctor about the risks and complications of angiography.
Risks and Complications of Angiography
Angiography is safe. But any procedure has risks and possible complications. Below are common risks for angiography. They vary based on the part of the body being looked at. Discuss the risks with your health care provider. Be sure you understand them before you agree to have the procedure.
Possible Risks and Complications
The risks and possible complications for your procedure include the boxes checked below:
- Bleeding or bruising at the insertion site
- Tearing or cracking of the artery lining
- Blood clots. In rare instances, these may be so severe that your leg may be at risk. Your doctor may have to immediately perform an operation to remove the clot.
- Infection
- Stroke
- Allergic reaction or kidney problems from the X-ray dye
- Heart attack, stroke, or death (very rare)
- The need for emergency cardiac or leg surgery (very rare)
- Abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Impaired kidney function (very rare)
Be Sure to Tell Your Doctor
It is important that you tell your doctor:
· The names of all medications you take. This should include herbs, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.
· If you have had a reaction in the past to contrast dye or any medications
· If you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant. The procedure may need to wait until after the baby is born.
· If you have problems with your kidney functions.