Erin Hanlon, PA

During an angiogram, the doctor inserts a very thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel through an opening in the groin or arm. The catheter is threaded through the body to the site of the suspected problem, where a small amount of dye is injected into the bloodstream and x-rays are taken. The dye makes the surrounding blood vessels visible via x-ray.

If necessary, certain procedures can be performed after an angiogram while the catheter is in place. Angioplasty is the use of a catheter to widen narrowed or blocked arteries. Stents are like tiny coiled springs that hold blood vessels open, and they can be placed during a catheterization. Damaged heart valves can also be repaired or replaced.

A typical angiogram takes about an hour to perform, but it may be longer if the catheterization is used to perform procedures on the blood vessels. It may be uncomfortable at times but is usually not painful. Afterwards, patients may be monitored for up to six hours to make sure any bleeding from the insertion site has stopped. They are given fluids to help flush the dye from their body. For a day or two after an angiogram it is important for patients to drink plenty of fluids and keep strenuous activity to a minimum.

During the procedure, the surgeon inserts the laparoscope, which contains a light and camera that allows the surgeon to see what is happening inside the body. Then tiny tools are placed through the small openings and used to perform the surgery.

The most common laparoscopic surgery is gallbladder removal, but laparoscopic surgery may also be used for the removal of a kidney or appendix, to treat certain cysts and tumors, for bariatric surgery, for some GERD treatments, or for hernia repairs, among others.

Because laparoscopic surgery only uses a few tiny incisions, the scars are minimal and recovery is easier than with open surgery.

During surgery, the blockage is identified, and an incision is made to expose the artery. The surgeon prepares a tube, called a graft, to be used as the bypass. Sometimes this tube is synthetic, and sometimes a piece of the patient's own vein or artery is used. The ends of the bypass graft are attached to the artery above and below the blockage. Now blood can simply flow around and continue on its way.

After a peripheral bypass, patients may need to spend a couple of days in the hospital while doctors make sure the bypass is working and not leaking. If the bypass was done in the leg, doctors may check the pulse in the feet to make sure blood is flowing well. Patients may experience some swelling in the area where they had surgery. Raising an arm or leg will help. Patients will likely be back to normal activities within 2-3 weeks.