Pulmonary angiography

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Pulmonary arteries

A pulmonary angiography is an x-ray of the blood vessels in the lungs.

Pulmonary arteriography

This test is done in a hospital. You will be asked to lie on an x-ray table. Electrocardiogram (ECG) leads are taped to your arms and legs to monitor 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.

A catheter is inserted through the needle, into the vein, up to and through the chambers of the heart, and into the pulmonary artery, which leads to the lungs. This procedure is monitored by a fluoroscope (a type of 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 flushed periodically with a saline solution containing a drug called heparin, which will keep 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After the x-rays are taken, the needle and catheter are withdrawn.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 10-15 minutes to stop the bleeding. After that time the area is checked and a tight bandage is applied.

The health care provider may advise you to keep the leg straight for an additional 12 hours after the procedure.

You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4-8 hours before the procedure.

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant and if you have ever had any bleeding problems. Report any allergic reactions to x-ray contrast material or any iodine substance and any other allergic reactions you have.

You must sign a consent form. You will be given a gown to wear, and you need to remove any jewelry. You may be given a sedative or a pain pill before the procedure.