Transradial Angiogram

What is Transradial Angiogram

Transradial angiogram is an imaging test. This test uses X-ray images and colored dye that is made up of an iodine solution (contrast dye). This test is done to check for any abnormalities in the vessels that might affect blood flow, such as:

  • A blocked blood vessel.
  • A narrowed blood vessel.
  • A blood clot.
  • Abnormal, inherited blood vessel connections.

During this test, a small, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in the wrist (radial artery). The catheter is moved from the radial artery into other blood vessels in the body that need to be examined. Contrast dye is used to make blood vessels visible on X-ray images that are taken during the procedure.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any allergies you have.
  • 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.
  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

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

  • Infection.
  • Bleeding.
  • Allergic reactions to medicines or dyes.
  • Damage to other structures or organs, such as the blood vessels, lungs, or heart.
  • Blood clots.
  • Blood flow through the radial artery stopping or slowing down. This is rare.

What happens before the procedure?

  • Ask your health care provider about:
    • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking 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 instructs you not to.
  • Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
  • Do not use tobacco products for at least 24 hours before your procedure or as told by your health care provider. This includes cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes.
  • Ask your health care provider how your surgical site will be marked or identified.
  • You may be given antibiotic medicine to help prevent infection.
  • You may have a physical exam.
  • You may have tests, including:
    • Blood tests.
    • X-rays.
  • Plan to have someone take you home after the procedure.
  • If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.

What happens during the procedure?

  • To reduce your risk of infection:
    • Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
    • Your skin will be washed with soap.
  • An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.
  • You will be given the following:
    • A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
    • A medicine that is injected to numb the area near the radial artery in your wrist (local anesthetic).
  • A needle will be inserted into your radial artery in your wrist.
  • A catheter will be inserted into your radial artery. The needle helps guide the catheter into your radial artery.
  • The catheter will be moved through your body to the desired blood vessel. An X-ray machine (fluoroscope) will help your health care provider bring the catheter to the correct place in your body.
  • Contrast dye will be injected into the catheter and will travel to the blood vessel that is being examined.
  • X-ray images will be taken of how the dye flows through your blood vessel. While the images are being taken, you may be given instructions on breathing, swallowing, moving, or talking.
  • The catheter and needle will be removed from your body.
  • A pressure (compression) wrap will be applied to your wrist to stop bleeding.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

  • You will need to keep your wrist still for as long as told by your health care provider.
  • The pressure applied to your wrist will be gradually decreased until the compression wrap is removed.
  • You may have soreness and bruising in your wrist. This is normal. This should get better within about 1 week.
  • Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored often until the medicines you were given have worn off.
  • You may continue to receive fluids and medicines through an IV tube.
  • Do not drive for 24 hours if you received a sedative.
  • You may have to wear compression stockings. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
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