This test is done in the hospital. You will be asked to lie on the X-ray table. ECG leads are taped to your arms and legs to monitor your heart during the test. ECG is an electrocardiogram - a testing which metal plates (electrodes) are put on the body surface to trace the electrical impulses of the heart.
The area where the contrast medium will be introduced is shaved and cleansed. The site is usually a vein in the groin. A local anesthetic is given, the vein is punctured, and a needle is inserted into the vein. The catheter (a long, narrow, flexible tube) is inserted through the needle, into the vein, through the chambers of the heart, and into the pulmonary artery, which leads to the lungs. This procedure is monitored by a fluoroscope (a special X-ray that projects the images on a TV monitor). The contrast medium is then injected into the lung arteries through the catheter, and the X-ray pictures are taken. The catheter is kept open by flushing it periodically with a saline solution containing heparin, which will keep the blood in the catheter from clotting. The pulse, 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 After the X-rays are taken, the needle and catheter are withdrawn.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 tight bandage is applied. The leg should be kept straight for an additional 12 hours after the procedure.
|