What is Pulmonary Angiogram

Pulmonary angiogram is a procedure to look at the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs (pulmonary arteries). The procedure may be done to check for certain heart and lung problems, such as:

• A blockage in a pulmonary artery.
• A blood clot in a lung (pulmonary embolus).
• An abnormal blood vessel connection.
• Bleeding in the lungs.

It may also be done to measure pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which can help to guide treatment.

During the procedure, a dye (contrast medium) is injected into the main pulmonary artery. Then, X-ray images are taken of the artery. The dye outlines the arteries so that the shape of the arteries shows up on the X-ray.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have, including allergies to shellfish or contrast dye.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Any previous kidney problems or failure you have had.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
• Whether you are breastfeeding.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Infection or bruising at the catheter area.
• Damage to other structures or organs, including rupture of blood vessels or damage to arteries.
• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye that is used.
• Kidney damage from the contrast dye that is used.
• Blood clots that can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

What happens before the procedure?

Staying hydrated

Follow instructions from your health care provider about hydration, which may include:

• Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, and plain tea.

Eating and drinking restrictions

Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking, which may include:

• 8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
• 6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.
• 6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.
• 2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.

General instructions

• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you take diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider tells you not to.
• Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
• If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.

What happens during the procedure?

• An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
• To lower your risk of infection:
  • Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
  • Your skin will be washed with soap.
  • Hair may be removed from the insertion area.
• You may be given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
• You will be given a medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).
• A small, thin tube (catheter) will be inserted into a vein at the numbed area.
• The catheter will be guided into the pulmonary artery with the use of an X-ray procedure called fluoroscopy.
• The contrast medium will be injected through the catheter.
• X-ray images will be taken. These images will show the outline and shape of the blood vessels that go from your heart to your lungs.
• The catheter will be removed.
• Pressure will be applied to the insertion site until bleeding has stopped.
• A bandage (dressing) will be applied to the insertion site.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• A chest X-ray may be done before you leave.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you were given a sedative.

Summary

• A pulmonary angiogram is a procedure to look at the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs (pulmonary arteries).
• During the procedure, a dye (contrast medium) is injected into the main pulmonary artery. Then, X-ray images are taken of the artery.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you were given a sedative.