Angiography

Kapi'olani Medical Center at Pali Momi provides the most highly advanced angiography services to Leeward Oahu residents right here in our community. Combining state-of-the-art equipment with the skill of specially trained staff, physicians get fast, extremely detailed and highly accurate test results, while patients benefit from a safe and comfortable procedure.

What is angiography?

Angiography is an x-ray examination of your blood vessels that allows doctors to see how blood circulates within your body. It is used when a blockage in the flow of blood or abnormality of a blood vessel is suspected.

An angiogram can tell your doctor whether an artery is blocked, where the blockage is, how severe it is and what the cause is. A common cause of blockage is a blood clot in an artery narrowed by arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

How does an angiogram work?

A radiologist will place a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into one of your arteries or veins and then inject a small amount of contrast dye into the blood vessel to it make it more visible in an X-ray.

What is the angiogram process?

There are just a few steps in this simple and nearly painless procedure:

• You will be positioned on a comfortable table and X-rays will be taken to get a pre-test picture.
• You will be given a local anesthetic where the catheter will be inserted. A small incision will be made and a thin catheter inserted into your artery.
• When the tube is exactly in place, some distance along the artery, the X-ray dye will be injected and the catheter removed. While the contrast dye is being injected, you may experience a feeling of warmth, a metallic taste, or nausea. These symptoms are normal and should only last a minute or so.
• Removal of the catheter tube does not hurt, but pressure will be applied when it is removed to prevent the artery or vein from bleeding.

The advanced X-ray camera used in our angiography testing will show exactly where the dye reaches and where it doesn't; indicating if there is a blockage or abnormality in the blood vessel.

The entire process usually takes one to two hours to complete.

How do I prepare for my angiogram?

You will receive a call to discuss what you can and cannot do before and after your test. However, as a general guide:

• If you are allergic to X-ray dye or iodine, let your doctor know as soon as possible.
• If you are a smoker, do not smoke for at least 24 hours before your angiogram as nicotine may affect the results of some tests.
• If you need to take medications in the morning, wash them down with just a few sips of water. Bring all of your medications with you to the hospital.
• Do not eat any solid food after midnight the night before your procedure. You may, however, have clear fluids such as water or broth.

Where do I go when I come for my test?

When you arrive at the hospital, go to the Registration Department on the second floor.

What happens after the test?

If you are having the procedure done as an outpatient, you will remain in the recovery room for four to six hours following your angiogram. Although you will be asked to lie still, you will be able to eat and drink and visitors are allowed.

Someone will need to drive you home, and you should not drive for the rest of the day. You should also relax and take it easy at home. If you have a desk job, you should be able to return to work the next day but should avoid any lifting or straining for at least a week.

Before you go home, the radiology nurse will give you further instructions.

When will I get the results?

A radiologist will read your scan and send a report to your physician within 24 hours. Your doctor will contact you to discuss your results.

Will my insurance cover angiography?

Most insurance plans cover this test. Please contact your insurance plan if you have any questions.

For more information, call (808) 485-4222.