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Cerebral angiography is a highly specialized x-ray for evaluation of the blood vessels in the neck and brain.
How is Cerebral Angiography Performed?
In this procedure, a small catheter is introduced into the patient’s arterial system, usually through the artery in front of the patient’s right hip. This catheter is then guided to the arteries in the neck, and x-ray dye is directly injected through the catheter. The x-ray dye fills the blood vessels, giving highly detailed pictures. Local anesthesia is given to decrease the discomfort of introducing the catheter into the arterial system. Once the catheter is in place, the procedure is painless. Often, the patient will feel a sensation of warmth as the x-ray dye is injected, and may experience a metallic taste in the mouth. The procedure typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes.
What happens the day of the procedure?
Cerebral angiography is often performed as an outpatient procedure. It is important you take any usual medications EXCEPT aspirin and other anti-coagulants, the morning of the procedure. If you are taking Plavix, you should discontinue this for 7 days prior to the procedure, with the approval of your doctor. If you are taking Coumadin, you should discontinue this for 3 days prior to the procedure, with the approval of your doctor. You will report to the hospital early in the morning, prior to the scheduled start of the procedure. You will be checked into the same day care ward, have an IV line placed, and be prepared for the procedure. After the procedure, the patient must remain at the hospital, in bed for 6-8 hours. This will allow a strong seal to form on the blood vessel where the catheter was introduced and avoid the possibility of bleeding from catheterization site. Someone must accompany you to drive you home.
Are there potential complications from cerebral angiography?
There is small risk of stroke resulting from the procedure. For most patients, this risk is less than 1%. This is the reason that less invasive blood vessel imaging studies such as MRI or CT Scan, are usually done prior to or instead of cerebral angiography. Other risks include blood vessel damage or bleeding from the blood vessel where the catheter was introduced.