What is it Like to Have a Venogram?

A venogram is not difficult to experience. You will remove any jewelry and your clothing and be given a gown to wear. You will be lying comfortably on a treatment bed. An area on your foot will be cleaned, and an IV line placed into a vein. The contrast dye is then injected. You may feel some sensation when the dye enters your veins, such as a flush, a headache, or nausea, all of which disappear within minutes. After the dye is administered, X-ray images are taken at intervals as the dye moves through the veins in your legs. A tourniquet may be applied to control the speed of the blood flow in your legs for test accuracy. Once the test is complete, the IV will be removed, and a bandage will be applied.

What Happens Next?

After your venogram, we will monitor your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. The pulse in your feet will be checked along with the color, temperature, and sensation you experience in your legs. Once this is over, most people can return to their usual activities.

Does a Venogram Hurt?

A venogram is a minimally invasive procedure with a short recovery period. Intravenous sedation is administered to keep you comfortable but awake, and a local anesthetic is administered in the area where the catheter is inserted. The discomfort is minimal due to the anesthetics, and most patients can return home immediately after the test.

Aftercare: Venogram

After your venogram, avoid lifting anything heavy (over 10 lbs.), straining, or other physical activities that involve impact, such as running or cycling, for five days. You will need to avoid bathing in a bathtub, hot tub, or swimming in a pool until the puncture is fully healed. The bandage can be removed after three days, and this procedure does not involve any stitches. It is normal to have some bruising around the puncture, which may not appear for several days.

Why Choose San Diego Cardiac Center for a Venogram?

It is normal to feel some anxiety or nervousness when a venogram has been ordered. When you are under the care of our specialists at San Diego Cardiac Center, you can be confident that we will do everything possible to ensure you are comfortable. We ensure our patients are educated about what will occur and feel confident during any of our diagnostic tests. The goal of the test is to detect problems that may exist in your veins so that treatment can be planned before the condition worsens. We are very progressive in adopting new therapies as a result of our clinical research experience, and we often gain access to newer, more successful procedures and therapies before any other clinic in the region.

© San Diego Cardiac Center. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy

Contact Us