Peripheral Angiography

What is Peripheral Angiography?

Peripheral angiography is an out-patient study that is used to help your physician find blood vessels that may be blocked in your lower body and legs.  Many of these arteries are unable to be seen on a normal x-ray.  This study requires an injection of an iodine-based dye directly into the arteries to make them visible on a radiograph.  Your physician will be able to map out the visible blood vessels to determine where a problem may be located. 

Blocked arteries in lower parts of the body can lead to many complications such as leg pain, high blood pressure, or stroke.  In the legs, blocked arteries can be painful and can cause cramping during walking.  They can also contribute to wounds in the lower extremities from not healing properly.

 How is a Peripheral Angiography performed?

 The angiogram procedure will usually take about an hour to as long as three hours to complete.  During the procedure the patient will be awake but under local anesthesia.  Medication is usually administered to the patient before the procedure to help them feel relaxed but drowsy.  The patient is also hooked up to an IV to ensure that he or she is getting enough fluid throughout.  The IV is also used to dispense any sedation or medication to the patient that is required.  It is very important for the doctor to know all the medications that the patient is taking and if he or she may have any drug or food allergies.

During the procedure, a catheter is inserted usually in the groin by the physician.  The catheter is threaded through the artery while being viewed on a video monitor.  The iodine-based dye is then injected through the catheter.  Patients will usually feel a warm sensation or pressure in their back and legs when the dye is being injected.  The patient is required to lie still during this process while x-rays are being taken.  After the x-rays have been obtained the catheter is then removed and pressure is applied to the site.  The patient is required to keep his or her leg straight and still for a few hours afterward. 

 When do I get my test results?

 Your physician will review the results and discuss them with you shortly after the procedure.  For any questions or concerns you may have, feel free to contact our office staff.