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Palatine Heart Center
523 Old Northwest Highway,
Barrington, IL 60010
Phone (847) 381-1200
Fax (847) 381-1904 |
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Heart Lung Center
360 Station Drive
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone (815) 477-8900
Fax (815) 477-7160 |
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| Peripheral Angiogram |
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| Peripheral Angiogram |
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| The word peripheral refers to those arteries that are located away from the center of the body or the heart. This includes arteries in the neck, arms, abdomen and legs. An angiogram is performed when the doctor feels you may have narrowing or blockages of one of more of these arteries. A peripheral angiogram is done at the hospital. Prior to the procedure, an IV line will be started and your groin or arm area will be cleaned and shaved. You will then be given a medication through your IV to help you relax. |
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| Next, the skin in the groin or arm area will be numbed and the doctor will insert a catheter into your artery. The catheter is then threaded through the blood vessels to the area being evaluated. This catheter is used to inject dye into the arteries. This dye shows up on x-rays and allows the doctor to look for narrowing or blockages. Once the doctor has reviewed the x-ray images, he or she will decide how best to proceed. If the angiogram confirms that you have significant narrowing of one or more of your arteries, the doctor may proceed with placing a stent in the affected area(s). |
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| A stent is a tiny mesh tube that holds the artery open and improves blood flow. If the doctor finds multiple areas of blockage or blockages that are not able to be stented, he or she may refer you to a vascular surgeon. After the procedure is complete, the doctor will remove the catheter and close the insertion site. |
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| Most of the time, a special plug called an angioseal will be used to close the artery. Prior to leaving the hospital, you will be given specific instructions regarding activities such as driving, bathing and lifting as well as recommendations for follow up with the doctor. |
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| Preparation: No food or drink six hours prior to the procedure. Take any medications with a sip of water only. Prior to the procedure you will be instructed as to which medications you should take and which ones you should not. No driving for three days after the procedure. |
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