To perform a traditional angiogram, a doctor inserts a long, narrow tube called a catheter into an artery located in the arm, upper thigh, or groin. They will inject contrast dye into the catheter and take X-rays of the blood vessels. The contrast dye makes blood vessels more visible on X-ray images.

Is it painful to have an angiogram?

Will an angiogram hurt? Neither test should hurt. For the conventional angiogram you'll have some local anaesthetic injected in your wrist through a tiny needle, and once it's numb a small incision will be made, in order to insert the catheter.

Are you sedated for angiogram?

Angiograms are typically performed while you are sedated. The procedure may last 15-20 minutes or up to several hours, depending on how difficult the test is and how much treatment is given.