For many people, going to the doctor for an angiogram is a routine procedure that takes less than a day in an outpatient facility. However, for others, it can result in serious and severe complications that cause injury or even death in some cases.
What is an angiogram?
An angiogram is a medical diagnostic procedure that is designed to search for any blockages in your circulatory system. It works through the use of a magnetic dye that is injected into the affected area through a catheter and x-ray imaging is used to view the dye inside your veins and arteries. In most cases, this will allow your doctor to diagnose the areas where your arteries are clogged.
For most people, the recovery period for an angiogram is quick and they can leave shortly after their procedure is complete. However, there are some common complications that can occur as a part of an angiogram.
Common risks of angiograms?
One of the most common risks, when you are getting an angiogram, is bleeding or a hematoma. This happens at the injection site if your medical provider carelessly inserts the needle or catheter when they are injecting the dye into you and can lead to infection. In some situations, this may result in the need for additional surgeries. hospital stays, blood transfusions, and major bleeding in some of the more severe cases.
Another serious complication risk can come from the dye used during the angiogram. In some cases, you can have an allergic reaction to the dye that is being injected. This can cause reactions ranging from minor rashes and hives to more significant reactions involving restricted breathing, severe asthma and can require medical intervention. In the most severe cases, anaphylactic shock can set in and result in death.
The last major type of complication is internal vascular damage. In some angiograms when the catheter is inserted into the circulatory system it can cause internal damage as it is used to navigate your body towards the target area. These are fairly uncommon, but depending on the damage caused it can require invasive treatment and rehospitalization.
Make an informed decision
Like all medical treatments, there is never a 100% guarantee of success. However, it is important that you are fully aware of the risks involved in any procedure so that you can make informed decisions. If your doctor does not give you all of the information you need and something goes wrong, then that may be an example of malpractice by them.