Visceral Arteriography

Visceral Arteriography

Visceral Arteriography (or also commonly known as visceral angiography) is an invasive imaging procedure through which a visual representation of the arteries in the abdomen is obtained. This procedure is performed in order to detect and assess certain circulatory system disorders. The images are obtained through the use of an X-ray machine, and in some situations, fluoroscopy may be employed during the arteriography as well in order to assist with the guidance of the catheter through the blood vessels.

Visceral Arteriography also relies on contrast agents to enhance the details of the blood vessels in the resulting X-ray pictures. The contrast dye is injected into the patient’s bloodstream, and it absorbs the X-rays, causing the blood vessels to be clearly visible in the final images. Following the completion of a Visceral Arteriography procedure, the examining health care professionals will be able to detect any disorders currently affecting the patient’s circulatory system – such as aneurysms (enlargement of a blood vessel), stenosis (blood vessel narrowing), vasospasm, blood vessel abnormalities, blood clots or blockages. Also, conditions such as tumors, inflammation or hemorrhage can be detected as well by employing this procedure. In some cases, the procedure is employed to administer medication directly to a tissue or organ instead of using normal administration routes (for example, cancer medication can be transported and released directly into a tumor or blood clotting medication can be delivered at the site of hemorrhage.

Arteriograms may be performed after previous imaging studies have indicated the need of further investigation. Also, in some situations, medical operations such as blood clot dissolving or stent placement may be performed directly during arteriography. There are a number of other imaging procedures available as well, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures and CT scans. You should always consult with your personal health care professional in order to determine what the most appropriate procedure for your situation is.

Visceral Arteriography Description

The Visceral Arteriography procedure may only take place in the specialized department of a medical facility (a clinic or a hospital), under the strict supervision of an authorized health care professional. In order to perform the angiography, intravenous access must be obtained so that the contrast dye may be injected into the bloodstream. The patient may be required to refrain from eating for a few hours prior to the procedure, and they should only consume clear liquids. Prior to the operation, the area around the point of entry is cleaned and shaved if needed, and the patient may be administered a local anesthetic in order to block the pain associated with the insertion of the needle and catheter. Light sedation may also be employed, in order to cause the patient to relax.

At the start of the Visceral Arteriography procedure, the patient is positioned with his or her face up on the X-ray table, and the IV line is inserted into the patient’s arm. The patient is connected to the ECG monitor in order to record the heart activity – this will be monitored for the entire duration of the procedure, as well as the patient’s breathing rate, blood pressure and heart rate. Once all the preparatory operations are completed, an incision is made through which the catheter is inserted and threaded to the desired position. During this stage of the Visceral Arteriography procedure, the supervising health care professional may employ the use of a fluoroscope in order to observe the catheter’s advancement through the blood vessel system.

When the catheter is in place, the contrast agent is slowly pumped into the bloodstream, and a series of X-ray photos are taken. As soon as the images have been obtained, the catheter is removed and pressure is applied to the insertion point in order to stop the bleeding. The patient will then be taken to a recovery room where he or she will remain for a few hours to achieve full recovery.

Visceral Arteriography Related Medication

The main pharmaceutical agent employed during Visceral Arteriography is the contrast dye. This is generally a compound substance based on an X-ray absorptive element – currently, the most common contrast agents are based on Iodine. Iodine is known for its impermeability to X-rays, and using contrast dyes based on it ensures that the procedure will yield accurate images of the blood vessel system. The contrast dye needs to be administered directly into the patient’s bloodstream by means of an intra-venous injection (or by pumping it into the bloodstream directly through the catheter). Administration of contrast agents may only be performed by a specialized health care professional in hospital settings.

Prior to undergoing the Visceral Arteriography procedure, all patients are advised to consume additional quantities of liquids, and they will need to continue consuming extra liquids for some time after the procedure has concluded. This is because all Iodine-based compounds may cause dehydration, which is an affection that may have a severe impact on the proper functioning of the patient’s kidneys. Grave consequences are possible if a dehydration case is left untreated for too long – and this rule has been enforced in order to ensure the safety of the patients. Also, as Iodine compound administration may alter the results of certain medical tests (for example thyroid tests), the patient should inform his or her personal health care provider about the Visceral Arteriography and reschedule any tests to a later date.

Studies have shown that contrast agents employed during Visceral Arteriography are safe to use in the vast majority of cases; that being said, however, it is possible for some patients to experience a number of adverse reactions. The most commonly encountered side effect is a feeling of warmth spreading through the patient’s body from the point of insertion when the contrast agent is being injected – this side effect is transitory and will not cause any more severe complications.

Other side effects which have been associated with contrast dyes include headache, nausea, muscle pain or weakness, urination problems, angina, fainting, wheezing, convulsions and, in the case of patients who experience an allergic reaction to the contrast agent, swelling of the face, mouth and tongue, breathing problems and skin problems such as rashes or hives. These are not all the possible side effects which may occur. Should you experience any of these, or any other persistent or bothersome effect, it is strongly recommended that you check with the supervising health care specialist.