• PAD Treatment

Angiogram

SEE EXACTLY WHERE THE BLOCKAGE IS.
THEN WE TREAT IT.

A minimally invasive imaging procedure that uses live X-ray imaging and contrast dye to create a detailed map of your arteries, showing where blockages are located, how severe they are, and which treatment may be most appropriate.

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HOW IT WORKS

Angiogram in 4 Simple Steps

  • Local Anesthesia & Sedation – To keep you comfortable, we administer local anesthesia along with mild sedation.

01

Access

A thin catheter is inserted through a small puncture in the groin or wrist and guided into the artery using live X-ray.

02

Contrast Dye Injection

Contrast dye is injected through the catheter, making the arteries visible on live X-ray.

03

Imaging and Diagnosis

The physician reviews the images in real time to locate blockages and assess their severity.

04

Treatment or Closure

If needed, treatment may be performed during the same visit. Otherwise, the catheter is removed and the access site is closed.

BENEFITS

Angiogram vs Other Diagnostic Options

Artery Cross-Section - Before & After

BeforeAfter (1)
MINIMAL INVASIVE TREATMENTS SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED
MINIMAL INVASIVE TREATMENTS SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

Treatment options

How we treat PAD at HVLC

RECOVERY TIMELINE

What to expect after Angiogram.
Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days.

Recovery Timeline
DAY 0

Same-Day Recovery

Rest while your access site is monitored.
Go home with a driver.

FIRST 24 HOURS

Rest & Hydrate

Take it easy, drink fluids, and monitor the access site.

DAYS 2-3

Light Activity

Resume light activity.
Avoid heavy lifting as directed.

WITHIN 1 WEEK

Back to Routine

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.

FOLLOW-UP

Review Results

Discuss your findings and next steps with your vascular team.

BENEFITS

How an Angiogram Helps

Detailed Artery Images

Locates Blockages

Shows Blood-Flow Problems

Guides Treatment

Minimally Invasive

Same-Day Outpatient Care

PATIENT STORIES

See What Recovery Can Look Like

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an angiogram and angioplasty?

An angiogram is a diagnostic procedure that uses contrast dye and live X-ray imaging to create detailed images of your arteries and identify blockages.

Angioplasty is a treatment that uses a balloon catheter to widen a narrowed or blocked artery. At HVLC, an angiogram and treatment can often be performed during the same visit using the same catheter access site. This means you may receive both a diagnosis and treatment during one appointment.

An angiogram is a well-established and widely performed procedure. However, as with any catheter-based procedure, there are potential risks.

These may include bruising or bleeding at the access site, an allergic reaction to the contrast dye, or, rarely, a complication involving the blood vessel or access site. Your individual risk depends on your overall health and medical history.

Tell our team before your appointment if you have previously had an allergic reaction to iodine or contrast dye. Additional precautions or medications may be recommended.

Most patients remain at the clinic for several hours, including the procedure and recovery monitoring period. The exact duration will depend on whether diagnostic imaging alone or additional treatment is performed.

You should not drive yourself home. Please arrange for a responsible adult to pick you up. Sedation may affect your alertness, and the access site must be monitored before you leave.

Our team will confirm the expected timing when your appointment is scheduled.

General anesthesia is usually not required. An angiogram at HVLC is typically performed using local anesthesia to numb the access area. Light sedation may also be provided to help you relax.

You will usually remain awake and able to communicate with our team throughout the procedure. No surgical incision is required, and stitches are typically not needed.

Medicare may cover a diagnostic angiogram when it is considered medically necessary and applicable coverage requirements are met.

Coverage through Medicare Advantage, Medi-Cal, and commercial insurance plans varies depending on the plan, provider network, medical necessity, and authorization requirements.

Our team will verify your individual insurance benefits and discuss any applicable authorization or out-of-pocket requirements before your procedure.

Call 661-324-4100 to speak with our team about your insurance coverage.

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5020 Commerce Dr

5020 Commerce Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93309

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