Angiography

Angiography is an X-ray procedure used to demonstrate the arteries and veins in the body.

In the procedure, a catheter is placed in one of the large blood vessels and threaded through the vessel until the area of interest is reached. A contrast medium is then injected to outline the vessel. Images are taken using specialised X-ray machines that can take pictures very quickly. The doctor is then able to see parts of the blood vessels that may be blocked, areas that are enlarged or organs that have an unusual blood supply.

The study is performed by a radiologist with special training and a team of specialist nursing and radiography staff.

Sometimes angiography can be used as a therapeutic procedure. If this type of therapy is suitable for your child your doctor will discuss this with you.

On occasions, a general anaesthetic or sedation is used to make the procedure more comfortable; however many patients do not require sedation.

Angiography is an invasive procedure and the details of your child's study will be explained to you before the study. You will be given the opportunity to ask questions and asked to sign a consent form. If your child is under 16 years a parent or guardian will need to give consent for the study.

How to access this service

An angiography procedure needs to be specially planned for your child. Your doctor will discuss the procedure with one of our radiologists prior to the study. Angiography studies require a request on a form available to your doctor from the Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH) SAMI office – Ph. (08) 8161 6639.

Your doctor will arrange a booking time for you and let you know what has been arranged.

Patients requiring general anaesthesia will require an admission booking form to accompany the request.

Many studies require special preparation. Instructions will be given to you once the appointment is made. If these instructions are not followed it may not be possible to carry out the study and a new time will need to be booked, so please be sure to follow instructions carefully.

Hours

Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 5pm

Weekends and Public Holidays – the department is closed except for emergency studies. Should your child need an urgent study, your doctor will contact the on call Radiologist to arrange this.

Location

Level 2, Rogerson Building

Information for families

Our aim is to make the experience as pleasant as possible for you and your child while obtaining the information from the study that your doctor requires.

One parent or guardian should accompany the child to the Medical Imaging service within the hospital and sign the consent form. Parents are not permitted in the Angiography suite. The studies can take a considerable time - our staff will tell you approximately how long you are likely to be waiting. You are welcome to remain in our waiting area (COVID-19 restrictions pending), there is also a café located in the hospital on the same floor.

Siblings will not be allowed to accompany patients to angiography. Please make alternative arrangements for their care.

Your doctor may need to arrange for your child to be admitted and have general anaesthesia for the study. If this is the case special instructions will be given to you.

Resources

Information sheets for Angiography studies and general anaesthesia are available from the SAMI office at the Women's and Children's Hospital – Ph. (08) 8161 6639.