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When Should A Pulmonary Angiography Be Performed?

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: Admin : 2021-12-17

Angiography is an X-ray procedure that examines blood arteries. Because blood vessels are difficult to see on a standard X-ray, a special dye must be injected into your blood beforehand. This draws attention to your blood vessels, making it easier for your doctor to spot any abnormalities.

Angiograms are the X-ray images created during angiography.

 

Types of Angiography 

Angiography can be classified into the following categories:

Angiography comes in a variety of forms, depending on which area of the body is being examined.

The following are examples of common types:

  • coronary angiography:- a procedure that examines the heart and blood arteries nearby.
  • cerebral angiography:- a procedure that examines the blood arteries in and around the brain.
  • pulmonary angiography:- a procedure that examines the blood arteries that supply the lungs.
  • Renal angiography:- Renal angiography is a procedure that examines the blood arteries that supply the kidneys.

 

What is pulmonary angiography?

Angiography of the lungs' blood arteries is known as pulmonary angiography. 

A specific contrast dye is injected into the body's blood vessels during the treatment. This can be done in either the groyne or the arm. On X-rays, the dye is visible. During this test, fluoroscopy is frequently employed. It's like watching an X-ray "movie." This allows your doctor to examine the vessels that carry blood to and from the lungs clearly.

 

When Should a Pulmonary Angiography Be Performed?

  • If your doctor suspects a blockage in your pulmonary, or lung, vessels, they will most likely do a pulmonary angiography. 
  • Pulmonary angiography can also be used to diagnose other problems in your body, such as a clot or a pulmonary artery aneurysm. 
  • If you were born with narrow blood veins in and around your lungs, your doctor may recommend a pulmonary angiography because this might cause heart problems and shortness of breath when you exercise.
  • In many circumstances, instead of pulmonary angiography, your doctor may opt for CT angiography.
  • Your doctor may choose to treat a clot as part of the angiography process if you have one.

 

During a pulmonary angiography, what happens?

You might be able to have your operation done as an outpatient. This means you'll be returning home the same day. 

It could also be done as part of a lengthier hospital stay. 

The technique may be performed in a variety of ways. It is dependent on your medical condition and the measures used by your healthcare practitioner. 

In the vast majority of cases, the method will proceed as follows:

  • It's possible that you'll be asked to take off your clothes. If this is the case, you will be provided with a hospital gown to wear. You might be requested to take off your jewellery or other valuables.
  • Before the procedure, you have to empty your bladder.
  • On the X-ray table, you will lie on your back.
  • Your arm or hand will be inserted with an intravenous (IV) line.
  • On your chest, small sticky pads (electrodes) will be placed. They will be wired to a machine (ECG) that will record your heart's electrical activity. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing will be monitored throughout the process.
  • Hair can be clipped around the catheter insertion site in the groyne or arm. The skin will be scrubbed clean. 
  • A local anaesthetic (numbing drug) will be injected into the affected area.
  • In the groyne or arm, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) will be inserted. 
  • The catheter will be gently directed to the right side of the heart through the vein. Fluoroscopy may be utilised to guide the catheter to the correct location during this procedure.
  • Your IV line will be infused with contrast dye. As a result, you may encounter some side effects. A flushing sensation, a salty or metallic taste in the mouth, a short headache, nausea, or vomiting are all possible side effects. These effects often last a few seconds. If you have problems breathing, sweating, numbness, or heart palpitations, tell the radiologist.
  • A series of X-ray images will be taken once the contrast dye is injected. More contrast dye may be injected and more X-ray images may be taken in some circumstances.
  • The catheter in the groyne or arm will be withdrawn. To halt the bleeding, pressure will be administered to the region.
  • The site will be covered with a dressing. For a short amount of time, a small, soft weight can be placed over the location. This is to avoid further bleeding or the formation of a hematoma at the wound site.

 

How Should I Prepare for the procedure?

It's possible that you'll be required to fast for 6 to 8 hours before the exam.

For the procedure, you will be required to wear a hospital gown and sign a consent document. Remove all jewellery from the region that will be photographed.

 

Inform your healthcare practitioner of the following:

  • If you're expecting a child.
  • If you've ever had an adverse reaction to x-ray contrast material, shellfish, or iodine-containing drugs.
  • If you're allergic to any medications.
  • If any medications are you taking (including any herbal preparations).
  • If you've ever had a problem with bleeding. 

 

Make certain to:

  • If your healthcare practitioner advises, you should stop using certain medications before the surgery.
  • If your healthcare practitioner says so, don't eat or drink for a few hours before the procedure.
  • Make arrangements for someone to pick you up and drive you home from the hospital.
  • Follow any other directions given to you by your healthcare practitioner.

Before the procedure, you may have a blood test. This procedure is used to determine how long it takes for your blood to clot. More information will be provided by your healthcare provider. You may also be subjected to different types of blood tests.



 

What will the test Feel Like?

  • It's possible that the x-ray table is cold. If you're feeling uneasy, request a blanket or a pillow. When the numbing drug is delivered, you may feel a brief sting and a sharp poke while the catheter is implanted.
  • As the catheter goes up into the lungs, you may feel some pressure. Warmth and flushing can be caused by the contrast dye. This is quite natural and normally passes in a matter of seconds.
  • After the test, you may have soreness and bruising at the injection site.  

 

After a pulmonary angiography, what occurs next?

You'll spend 1 to 2 hours in a recovery room after the surgery. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration will all be monitored. The puncture site in the groyne or arm will be examined for bleeding. You must maintain a straight leg or arm. If pain medication is required, it will be given to you. It's possible that you'll be allowed to return home the same day. It's also possible that you'll have to stay the night. You'll need someone to drive you home when the time comes.

If your healthcare practitioner says so, you can resume your normal diet and activities at home. Make sure you drink plenty of water. This will aid in the removal of the contrast dye from your body. For a few days, avoid strenuous physical activity. For a day or two, avoid taking a hot bath or shower.

Several times a day, check the puncture site in your groyne or arm. Check for blood, pain, oedema, colour changes, and temperature changes. A minor bruise is to be expected. It's also usual to have a small bit of blood.

 

Contact your healthcare practitioner if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, or as recommended by your healthcare provider
  • Swelling or redness in the groyne or arm
  • a significant amount of blood in the groyne or arm
  • In your arm or leg, you may experience pain, coolness, numbness, tingling, or a loss of function.
  • After the procedure, your healthcare practitioner may offer you additional instructions. 

 

What are the potential complications of a pulmonary angiography?

  • Every process entails some level of risk. Some of the risks linked with this operation are as follows:
  • The contrast dye causes an allergic reaction.
  • Puncture of a blood vessel causes bleeding.
  • Nerve damage is common.
  • A blood vessel clot (embolus).
  • A swollen region caused by a blood clot (hematoma)
  • Infection
  • Radiation exposure is another danger. Fluoroscopy emits a lot more radiation than X-rays do. Discuss the amount of radiation used during the treatment and the hazards to you with your healthcare professional. Radiation-based tests raise a person's chances of developing cancer in the future.
  • Your risks may vary depending on your general health and other problems. Inquire with your doctor about the hazards that are most relevant to you. Discuss any concerns you have with him or her.

 

What should you be aware of?

Before you agree to the test or process, make sure you are aware of the following:

  • The test's or procedure's name
  • What is the purpose of the test or operation?
  • What to expect from the findings and what they mean
  • The test or procedure's risks and advantages
  • What are the potential problems or adverse effects?
  • When and where will the test or procedure be carried out?
  • Who will be in charge of the tests or process, and what are their qualifications?
  • What if you didn't have access to the test or procedure?
  • Any other tests or processes to consider when it comes to getting the results? 
  • When and how will you get the results?
  • If you have any questions or problems after the test or procedure, who should you contact?
  • What will the cost of the test or procedure be? 

 

 


 

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