This test is done in a hospital or outpatient facility. You will be asked to lie on the X-ray table. The area where the catheter will be inserted is shaved and cleansed. The site is usually in the groin area.
You are given a local anesthetic, and a needle is used to puncture the artery. The catheter (a long, narrow, flexible tube) is inserted through the needle and into the artery. It is then threaded until it is in the artery of interest. This procedure is monitored by a fluoroscope (a special X-ray that projects dynamic images on a TV monitor). The contrast medium is then injected into the artery, and the X-ray pictures are taken. The catheter is kept open by flushing it periodically with a saline solution, which will keep the blood in the catheter from clotting.
The pulse (heart rate), blood pressure, and breathing are monitored during the procedure. After the x-rays are taken, the needle and catheter are withdrawn. Pressure is immediately applied on the leg at the site of insertion for 10 to 15 minutes to stop the bleeding. After that time, the area is checked and a bandage is applied. The leg should be kept straight for 6 hours after the procedure, and strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting, should be avoided for 24 to 48 hours.
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