An angiography is done to examine or treat the blood vessels that supply blood to your head, neck or spine. You will be under the care of a Johns Hopkins neuroradiologist (a doctor trained and experienced in this specialty) and a dedicated team of health care professionals. We are leaders in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of neurovascular problems, and we use state-of-the-art equipment in performing these procedures.

What to Expect

An intravenous line will be started in your arm to give you fluids and medications to relax you (if you require them). You will be taken to the procedure room, where you will lie on your back during your angiogram. Cushions and pillows will be used to make you comfortable. The skin where the catheter will be inserted, which is usually in the upper thigh/groin region, will be cleansed, and you will be covered from the shoulders down with a sterile drape.

The neuroradiologist will give you local anesthetic in your groin, which may cause slight discomfort for a few seconds before going numb. A catheter will be inserted through a small incision in the skin, which will be guided into the vessels to be examined. You will feel minimal pressure in the area.

When the neuroradiologist has placed the catheter in the correct position, a contrast dye will be injected, which may cause a warm — but not painful — feeling for a few seconds. During this time, you will also hear an X-ray machine taking pictures. It is important to remain still, without breathing or swallowing, while the dye is injected and the pictures are taken. Please tell the nurse who will be present through your procedure if you become uncomfortable.

In general, diagnostic procedures require about two hours; therapeutic procedures typically require more. When your procedure is completed, pressure will be applied to the incision site for 10 to 20 minutes, after which a small bandage will be placed over the incision. No stitches will be required. You will then need to lie on your back with your legs straight and still for four to six hours. A meal will be provided during this time.

If you are an outpatient, you will be observed in the neuroangiography area. You may bring reading material or other items to pass the time. Friends or family members may visit as desired. You will be discharged when it is safe for you to leave, usually between six and eight hours after your study. Written instructions for home care will be provided. If necessary, you may be admitted to the hospital after your procedure.

If you are an inpatient, you will be returned to your room for observation by your floor nurse.

The neuroradiologist will communicate the results of your examination to your physician, who will discuss the results with you at an appropriate time.

After Your Procedure

You may resume your usual diet after the procedure. We recommend that you drink 48 to 64 ounces of fluids during the next 24 hours, as this aids in eliminating the injected X-ray dye.

Do not exert yourself for 24 hours following the procedure. If you are an outpatient, a family member or friend should drive you home and stay with you during the 24-hour period.

It is not unusual to have minor bruising around the incision, but if you experience bleeding or swelling there or develop a cold or painful leg, contact us immediately.

We call our outpatients and visit inpatients the day after the procedure.