Mesenteric angiography is a test used to examine the blood vessels that supply the small and large intestines.
Angiography is an imaging test that uses x-rays and a special dye to see inside the arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.
How the Test is Performed
This test uses x-rays and a special dye called contrast to make blood vessels show up on the images.
This test is usually done in the radiology area in a hospital. You will lie on an x-ray table. You may ask for a sedative if you are anxious about the test.
- During the test, you will be hooked up to various devices so that your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing can be monitored.
- The health care provider will shave and clean the groin area over an artery. A numbing medicine (anesthetic) is injected into the skin over an artery and a needle is inserted into an artery.
- A thin flexible tube called a catheter is passed through the needle, into the artery, and up through the main vessels of the belly area until it is properly placed into a mesenteric artery. The doctor can see live images of the area on a TV-like monitor, and uses the x-rays as a guide.
- Contrast dye is injected through this tube to determine any defects of the blood vessels. X-ray images are taken of the artery.
Certain treatments can be done during this procedure. These items are passed through the catheter to the area in the artery that needs treatment. These include:
- Dissolving a blood clot with medicine
- Opening a partially blocked artery with a balloon
- Placing a small tube called a stent into an artery to help hold it open
After the x-rays or treatments are finished, the catheter is removed. Pressure is immediately applied to the puncture site for 20-45 minutes to stop the bleeding. After that time the area is checked and a tight bandage is applied. The leg is usually kept straight for another 6 hours after the procedure.
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