 Angiogram
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An angiogram is type of X-ray image which takes precise pictures of the arteries and veins (blood vessels) in a specific organ or body part. It is performed by a radiologist with subspecialty training in invasive techniques. Specialized X-ray equipment with computerized and rapid serial imaging capability is used to perform this study. The procedure usually takes about two hours.
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An angiogram is needed to gather information about how your child's blood vessels are working. Some conditions which might require an angiogram are:
- stroke
- tumors
- bleeding
- vascular malformations
- high blood pressure
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An angiogram is a safe procedure with no serious long-term side effects. Sometimes short term side effects occur, such as bleeding or bruising where the catheter is inserted. Clotting of an artery can also occur.
The doctor will explain everything in detail when you give permission for the procedure.
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A doctor, called an interventional radiologist, performs the procedure with the help of a radiology team.
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When you schedule your child's angiogram, you will be given written instructions. These instructions tell you when your child must stop eating, drinking and taking medicine. Your child will receive sedation or general anesthesia to help him or her stay still during the test. A sedative is medicine that calms and brings on sleepiness. General anesthesia is medicine that causes deep sleep. Your child's doctor will talk with you about what is best for your child.
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- Explain in simple terms why the test is needed and what will happen. Some things you may want to say:
- you will be close by during the test;
- your child will need to lie very still; and
- your child may bring a favorite toy or blanket into the room.
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- A staff person from Radiology or Day Surgery will call you a few days before the procedure to tell you where to go when you come to the hospital.
- When you arrive, the radiologist will talk with you about the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form. This may be done on the day of the procedure or during a Pre-op Clinic visit.
- Your child will change into a hospital gown.
- Then you and your child will be brought into the room where the angiogram is done.
- A nurse will start an intravenous (IV). He or she will apply some numbing cream before doing this. Then the nurse will give some medicine through the IV to help your child relax.
- You may stay until your child falls asleep.
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- The radiology technologist cleans your child's groin with a special liquid that helps prevent infection.
- Then the doctor gives some numbing medicine through a tiny needle into the cleaned area.
- Next the doctor inserts a needle into the groin. After the needle is in the artery, a long thin tube, called a catheter is passed through.
- The doctor gives a special solution called contrast material through the catheter. When contrast material is injected, the doctor can see your child's blood vessels under x-ray more clearly.
- Several x-rays may be taken. If awake, your child needs to hold his or her breath and keep very still during this part of the procedure.
- Once the angiogram is done, the catheter is taken out. The doctor or nurse covers the area with a bandage and applies pressure to prevent bleeding.
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- When your child starts to wake up, a nurse takes him or her to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). A nurse watches your child closely for 4 to 6 hours. You may stay with your child.
- During this time your child must lie very still without bending the leg.
- There may be some mild discomfort at the catheter site.
- The radiology doctor will speak to you about the results.
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Call Children's Interventional Radiology Office at 617-355-6579 if you have any questions or concerns. You may ask to speak with a doctor, nurse, or nurse practitioner.
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Children's Hospital Boston performs the largest number of pediatric angiograms per year of any children's hospital in the United States. Pediatric angiography requires specialized skills and different catheter systems than angiography in adults. The radiologic, technical, nursing, and anesthesiology staff at Children's Hospital Boston is trained and experienced in all aspects of performing this examination and caring for patients. The interventional radiological staff is also trained and experienced in the use of advanced angiographic techniques for the treatment of certain disorders of blood vessels in children. Our angiographic equipment is state-of-the-art and capable of supporting the most sophisticated angiographic needs.
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