The Angiogram

What is an Angiogram?

The Angiogram is a small procedure performed under general/local anesthetics and is used to monitor the arteries within the Heart.

What happens – Is it Painful?

Firstly the Angiogram procedure isn’t painful, the procedure is as follows.

1.    You are required to shave your groin – (the Angiogram is a catheter based operation)

2.    You are then given a gown –(A nice dress) and some really stylish Paper underpants – ha)

3.    You are then called down to theatre for the procedure to begin.

What Next.

 

4.    Once in theatre you are required to lay down upon the operating table were the surgeon will then prepare by placing first an operating cloth around the groin area, then comes the cold brown iodine, and finally you will feel a sharp but painless incision into the marked area.

5.    Once the anesthetic takes affect, you will then feel a slight pushing sensation as the surgeon places a small wire inside so he is able to see the heart and your arteries.

6.    Around the theatre you will see a screen and a large machine – which is similar to an X Ray Machine for your heart.

7.    The surgeon will then inject a special dye that enables the surgeon to see whether the heart’s arteries are blocked or not. – You will feel a slight flushing sensation as the dye is injected but that passes.

8.    The surgeon now checks the heart over by taking pictures while you watch on the big screen.

9.    Once the pictures are taken – the procedure is over, the small wire is taken out and it’s just a question of stopping the blood flow from the main artery – you are asked to apply pressure to the wound whilst you wait to be taken back to the ward.

10.   The procedure takes around 25/30 minutes and once back on the ward you are required at least two hours bed rest whilst you heal.

Treatments if my arteries are blocked.

Your arteries can become blocked by a fatty substance, which is why it is important to eat a healthy diet in all people, not just transplant recipients.

Depending on the results found – the surgeon can insert a small balloon to open up the effected arteries – there are also a number of medications such as Lycinopril (See medications guide) which can be given…

How Often Do I have The Procedure?

For Transplant recipients Angiograms are performed when you have your yearly M.O.T.

See diagram

 

 

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