Informed consent is obtained from the patient.
The patient is placed on a clear liquid diet before the procedure. An intravenous line is begun to ensure that the patient is well hydrated and to facilitate the administration of any medications during the procedure. The patient with chart is sent on a stretcher to the angiography suite when notified. At times when no drug or chemotherapy is being infused through the catheter, the catheter should be infused with normal saline or heparinized saline to prevent the catheter from becoming clotted. The requisition should state clearly the drug to be infused and the specific vessel to be catheterized.