What is an Angiogram with Angioplasty?
Angiograms (arteriograms) are specialized x-ray studies that are frequently done to check for blockages or narrowing in your blood vessels. Sometimes it is possible to treat a blockage found within an artery during an angiogram. Angioplasty is a specialized procedure done to treat blockages in your blood vessels without having to perform surgery. Angioplasty may be performed by the Interventional Radiologist (IR) at the time of your angiogram. During the Angioplasty, the IR inserts a small balloon that is attached to a thin tube (catheter) into a blood vessel. The tube or catheter is placed through a small nick (incision) in the skin and guided into your blood vessel using x-rays. Once the catheter has reached the site of the blockage or narrowing, the balloon is inflated, and then removed, leaving the blood vessel open. Special Note: Anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications) must be stopped at least 3-4 days before your scheduled angiogram. Examples are Vitamin E and Coumadin (Warfa
