An arteriogram is an imaging procedure that makes use of X-rays and dyes to visualize and create a road map of the arteries inside your heart, kidneys, brain, and other parts of your body. The procedure allows clear visualization of the blood flow and potential blockages in the arteries of the targeted organ. The results of this radiologic test are used as the basis for treatments like angioplasty, stent placements, and other surgical procedures.
The arteriogram is more popularly known as an angiogram. The words preceding “arteriogram” determine which part of the body is involved in the test. The most common types of arteriograms are cerebral angiography (brain), renal arteriography (kidney), aortic angiography (aorta), coronary angiography (heart), pulmonary angiography (lungs), fluorescein angiography (eyes), and extremity angiography (arms & legs).
What is the Procedure for an Arteriogram?
Although the procedure is minimally invasive, your doctor will discuss some important preparations with you beforehand. If applicable, they may advise you to stop taking medications that affect blood clotting, like aspirin, before the procedure. They may also direct you to stop smoking and will let you know whether you can eat or drink before the test. In addition, they will take note of your allergies to iodine, x-ray dyes, and other medications.
The details of the procedure will depend on the part of the body involved. The procedure for a hepatic angiography (liver) contains the following steps:
- You will be instructed to change into a hospital gown and lie on an x-ray table.
- An IV line is inserted into a vein to administer fluids and medications. Some medications may be given to sedate you or help you relax.
- A local anesthetic is given to numb the skin near your groin.
- A guide wire is then inserted through the skin into the femoral artery.
- The radiologist will use x-rays to guide the wire through the arteries of the liver. A catheter is inserted over the guide wire and the guide wire is removed.
- The dye or contrast medium is injected into the artery through the catheter to help the arteries display more clearly on the x-ray. You may feel warm or flushed during this step.
- You may be asked to change positions, then keep still while x-ray pictures of your liver are taken.
- After the test, the catheter is removed and pressure is put on the insertion site for 10-15 seconds to stop bleeding.
- You will need to lie flat with your leg extended for 6 hours to prevent additional bleeding.
- The doctor will direct you to drink plenty of water to help flush the dye from your body and properly follow the after-care instructions.
- When you arrive home, you will need to check the injection site for bleeding and monitor the leg for changes in temperature, pain, numbness, and tingling.
- You may also be advised not to do any strenuous activities for a period of time after the procedure.
Angiographies Guide Non-Surgical Liver Cancer Treatments
A hepatic angiography can be used to show which arteries are supplying blood to a patient’s liver cancer. This can help doctors determine whether the cancer can be removed through surgical methods. Hepatic angiographies are also used as a guide for some non-surgical liver cancer treatments, such as radioembolization.
At USA Oncology Centers, we put our patients first and always aim to provide them with the best possible outcomes. If you were recently diagnosed with primary or secondary liver cancer, schedule an appointment with our industry-leading interventional oncologists or call our friendly team at 855.870.4747 today!