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Aortic angiography |
| Definition: |
| The study of the aorta (the large artery which distributes blood from the heart to other arteries throughout the body) by injection of contrast media through a catheter (thin flexible tube) that has been positioned into the aorta, with a rapid succession of X-ray imaging to visualize blood flow. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Angiography - aorta; Aortography |
| How the test is performed: |
| A mild sedative is given prior to the test. An intravenous catheter is started in an arm to allow for the administration of medication during the procedure. A radiologist or cardiologist inserts the catheter through a small incision in an artery in the arm or groin after cleansing the site and numbing it with a local anesthetic. The catheter is then carefully threaded into the aorta via the arm or leg artery using X-ray images called fluoroscopy to guide the insertion. When the catheter is in place, dye is injected to make the aorta visible. |
| How to prepare for the test: |
| Food and fluid are restricted 6 to 8 hours before the test. The procedure takes place in the hospital. Sometimes, admission the night before the test is required. Otherwise, admission as an outpatient or inpatient the morning of the procedure is required. An explanation of the procedure and its risks is provided by a health care provider. A witnessed, signed consent for the procedure is required. A mild sedative is usually given one-half hour before the procedure. The procedure may last from 1 to several hours. You must wear hospital clothing. Infants and children: The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
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| How the test will feel: |
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The procedure takes place in a radiology department or cardiac diagnostics laboratory. You are given a sedative to relax prior to the procedure, but you are awake and able to follow instructions during the test. You are on a stretcher for the duration of the test. An incision is made into an artery in your arm, neck, or groin for threading the catheter into the aorta. You are given a local anesthesia to insert the catheter, so the only sensation is one of pressure at the site. Occasionally, a flushing sensation occurs after the contrast media is injected. You may have discomfort from having to remain still for prolonged periods of time. Once the procedure is completed, the puncture site in the arm or groin will be compressed for 10 to 15 minutes to prevent bleeding. You will need to keep that arm or leg straight for up to 4 hours after the procedure to prevent additional bleeding. Normal activity may continue the day following the procedure. |
| Why the test is performed: |
| The procedure is performed when abnormal conditions of the aorta are suspected. |
| What abnormal results mean: |
| Abnormal results may indicate aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Additional conditions under which the test may be performed: |
| What the risks are: |
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Risks of the procedure are cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac tamponade, trauma to the artery, low blood pressure, an infection, an embolism from a blood clot at the tip of the catheter, a reaction to contrast medium, hemorrhage (profuse bleeding), a stroke, and a heart attack. At the puncture site into the artery, there are risks of hematoma (bruise) formation, bleeding, infection, aneurysm of the vessel, occlusion of the vessel, and fistula formation (a connection between an artery and vein). |
| Special considerations: |
| This procedure may be combined with a left heart catheterization to image the chambers of the heart. |
Reviewed By: Evan Mair, M.D., Department of Radiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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