Angiography

Also known as: coronary angiography, angiogram, coronary angiogram.

What is angiography?

Angiography is a test that is used to examine the coronary arteries, the heart and other large blood vessels in the chest.

What happens during the test?

The child may be sedated before the test if needed. A contrast dye is then injected into the veins around the heart using an IV. Medication may also be administered to slow the heart rate. At that point, a CT or ultrasound scanner is used to capture images of the heart and surrounding veins.

Is any special preparation needed?

Children will need to abstain from food for four hours before the test, as well as anything with caffeine for 12 hours beforehand. Clear liquids are allowed. Additional restrictions may be needed if anesthesia is used.

What are the risk factors?

Itchiness or shortness of breath may occur if the child has an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. The specialists at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital use cutting edge CT and ultrasound to guide catheter placement and prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

Reviewed by: Dr. Rachel M Pevsner Crum, DO

This page was last updated on: January 07, 2022 09:46 AM