Angiography

We offer a wide range of minimally invasive procedures for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of various conditions:

Vascular and tumour conditions: 
Embolisation, vascular treatments, tumour therapies and palliative pain management

Gynaecology and urology: 
Treatment of fibroids, bleeding, prostate conditions and varicoceles

Orthopaedic procedures: 
Joint embolisations and arthrography

Management of complications: 
Management of abscesses, haemorrhages and post-operative complications

Diagnostics and vascular access: 
Biopsies, culture collection, and the placement and management of vascular access devices

Access is gained via an artery in the groin. Depending on the area being examined, another blood vessel may also be punctured. Before the catheter is inserted, we carefully disinfect the puncture site and administer a local anaesthetic so that you feel as little as possible during the procedure. In most cases, patients only feel a brief prick when the anaesthetic is administered or a slight pressure when the catheter is inserted.

Through this small access point, we carefully guide a very thin, flexible catheter through the vascular system to the desired location. Once it is correctly positioned, we inject the contrast medium; this spreads through the blood vessels and makes them clearly visible on the X-ray images. This allows us to assess the vessels accurately and identify any possible abnormalities.

Once the examination is complete, we remove the catheter and securely seal the small puncture site. Depending on the access point and the situation, this is done using a pressure dressing, a special closure system or by direct pressure applied by our medical staff.

Keep the treated area still for a few hours afterwards. Most patients can resume their normal daily activities after a short time; however, you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity on the day of the procedure. Please follow your doctor’s instructions.

Minor bruising, swelling or tenderness at the puncture site are normal and usually disappear on their own within a few days. In rare cases, heavier bleeding or other complications may occur. We will therefore monitor you closely after the procedure until the puncture site has sealed securely.

Depending on the type of examination and whether any additional treatment was carried out, an angiogram is performed on an outpatient basis or as part of a short hospital stay. For more complex procedures or following an interventional treatment, it is advisable to monitor the patient for several hours or until the following day.

During your stay in hospital, we regularly monitor your circulation, pulse and the puncture site to ensure that the vascular access heals properly and to detect any post-procedure bleeding at an early stage. The length of your stay depends on your individual circumstances and the procedure. Many patients are able to leave the clinic on the same day or the following day.

In angiography, iodine-containing contrast medium is essential for making the blood vessels visible on X-ray images. It makes the vessels stand out clearly from the surrounding tissue, so that even the smallest changes can be detected with precision. It is administered via a catheter directly into the vascular system, ensuring that only the necessary amount is used; during the injection, you may experience a brief sensation of warmth, which quickly subsides.

After the examination, the kidneys excrete the contrast medium; drinking plenty of fluids helps this process. With normal kidney function, 90–95 per cent is excreted within 24 hours, with a large proportion being excreted after just a few hours. The time taken for complete excretion depends, amongst other things, on kidney function, age, fluid intake and other individual factors.

Modern contrast agents are very well tolerated. Please inform us before the examination of any allergies – particularly to iodine – as well as any kidney dysfunction, thyroid disorders or other pre-existing conditions, so that we can tailor the examination to suit your needs. Allergic reactions are rare. We are prepared for such an eventuality and will take the necessary measures immediately if required.

Are you pregnant, or do you suspect you might be? Please let us know immediately. In this case, we will reassess the benefits and risks. We will only carry out the examination if it is medically justifiable, taking into account all protective measures for the unborn child.

Please let us know if you require dialysis. We will arrange for dialysis to take place after the contrast medium has been administered, as the contrast medium cannot be adequately excreted via the kidneys. We will discuss the procedure with you on an individual basis.

If you have a known allergy or have previously experienced an allergic reaction to iodine-containing contrast agents, please inform us before the examination.

If necessary, you will be given medication in advance (pre-medication) to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. These medicines may make you feel drowsy. You must therefore not drive a vehicle or operate machinery for twelve hours afterwards.

If you have hyperthyroidism, please speak to your treating doctor before the examination. Medication may be required beforehand.