Pulmonary Angiography Procedure

Pulmonary angiography or pulmonary arteriography is a procedure that allows a physician to use a radioisotope to assess the arterial circulation of the lungs. A catheter is inserted either into an arm or femoral artery and threaded through the right atrium and ventricle of the heart and into the pulmonary artery. IV contrast is then rapidly injected into the artery and radiographs are taken in order to see how the radiopaque is distributed. A pulmonary angiography is done to diagnosis any blood clots or other blockages of blood flow to the lungs.

Before the procedure nurses must determine if the patient has any allergies particularly to contrast dye and an electrocardiogram (ECG) leads will be taped to the patient's legs and arms in order to monitor the electrical impulses of the heart. Other medical conditions that you should disclose before having the procedure include asthma problems, bleeding issues, pacemaker, if you have a history of kidney or diabetes problems or if you may be pregnant.

Before the pulmonary angiography begins the nurse will likely give you a mild sedative to help you relax and an IV or intravenous line will be placed in a vein so medicine or fluids can be given if needed.

During the pulmonary angiography nurses will obtain information about the patient's level of anxiety and instruct the patient on the procedure. The nurses will answer any patient questions about the procedure and inform the patient that they will feel a pressure sensation once the catheter is insertion. When the contrast is introduced the patient will also feel a feeling of warmth, along with a flushed sensation and an urge to cough. During the procedure nurses will carefully monitor the patient's vital signs and look for any symptoms of allergic reactions and the catheter will be flushed occasionally a saline solution containing heparin which keeps blood in the tube from clotting.

The physician will be able to watch the catheter live on a monitor as the procedure is performed.

After the pulmonary angiography nurses will inspect the puncture site for any swelling, bleeding, hematoma or discolorations. The nurses will assess distal circulation and sensation to insure that there is no circulatory problems from the procedure.

If there is any problems the nurses will notify the physician immediately, problems from the procedure may include bleeding or sensation problems.

If you are having any severe breathing problems and your physician has suggested having this procedure, you should discuss the procedure thoroughly and discuss any alternatives or risks that may be involved with the procedure and your overall medical health issues.

References

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003813.htm
health.nytimes.com/health/guides/test/pulmonary-angiography/overview.html
emedicine.medscape.com/article/421904-overview