Pulmonary Angiography

Pulmonary angiography is an x-ray of the blood vessels that supply the lungs. It is used to find a blood clot (pulmonary embolism) in these blood vessels. The procedure is done by a specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist.

Preparing for the Procedure

• Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the procedure.

• Change into a hospital gown. Remove hair clips, jewelry, dentures, and other metal items that could show up on the x-ray.

• Go to the bathroom to empty your bladder just before the procedure begins.

During the Procedure

• Lie down on the x-ray table. An IV (intravenous) line is put into your hand or arm to give you fluids or medications.

• The skin over your groin is numbed with local anesthetic. A needle is then inserted into a blood vessel near the groin. The needle is then replaced with a catheter (thin, flexible tube).

• Using x-ray images as a guide, the radiologist moves the catheter through blood vessels and the heart to the pulmonary artery (artery that carries blood to the lungs).

• Contrast medium (x-ray dye) is injected into the artery through the catheter. This material helps the blood flow in the lungs show up better on x-rays. You may feel warmth when the contrast material is injected.

• X-ray images are then taken. Remain as still as you can while the x-rays are taken. You may be asked to hold your breath for 10 to 25 seconds at a time. The technologist will tell you when to hold your breath and when to breathe.

• After the x-rays are taken, the catheter is removed. Pressure will be applied to the insertion site for 5 to 10 minutes to stop bleeding.

• The whole procedure may take around 1 hour.

After the Procedure

You may remain in the hospital for a few hours after the procedure. When you go home:

• Care for the puncture site as directed. This includes keeping the leg on that side straight for 6 hours after the procedure.

• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast fluid from your system.