Peripheral Angiography

Your physician has ordered an x-ray examination of your arteries called an angiogram (also known as an arteriogram). This information offers a general description of that procedure. Your physician or nurse can answer any further questions you may have.

Peripheral angiograms are most commonly done to test the arteries which supply the blood to the head and neck or the abdomen and legs. Because arteries do not show up on ordinary x-rays, arteriograms utilize a "contrast agent" containing iodine, which is injected into the arteries to make them visible on radiographs. Problems with the arteries may lead to a variety of complications such as stroke, high blood pressure or leg pain. The type of treatment your particular condition may require will be determined by your angiogram.

The angiogram is done under local anesthesia while you are awake. Medication will be given to make you drowsy before the procedure. You will have an intravenous infusion (I.V.) started to be sure you get enough fluid and to provide a way to give you any sedation or medication required for your comfort during the procedure. The procedure can take anywhere from one to three hours. You will be required to have some blood testing prior to your admission. Be sure to mention to your doctor all medications you may be taking, especially if you are taking insulin or blood thinners (such as coumadin). Also discuss any allergies to foods or medications.

You will be dressed in a hospital gown. It is possible that you will be asked to remove your dentures, jewelry, and/or makeup. It is also a good idea to relieve your bladder before the test, since the procedure might take several hours. You will be wheeled into the x-ray room and laid on your back on an x-ray table. The room will be filled with machines and equipment which might seem a bit overwhelming. Directly above you may be a fluoroscope, which will be connected to a TV monitor. Depending on the position of the monitor, you may be able to watch the procedure from the table. There also might be wires taped to your arms and legs to measure your heart activity and blood pressure.

Your groin will be shaved, cleaned, and draped in a sterile field, which you should not touch. The groin will be "numbed" with a local anesthetic which burns or stings a bit before it takes effect. The catheter, which is a long thin tube, will be placed into the artery in the groin and will be manipulated by the doctor into the artery requiring study. As the catheter is being moved, you may notice slight pressure in the groin, but you will not feel pain as the catheter moves inside you. Once the catheter is in place, contrast material, or "dye" will be injected through the catheter into the arteries and a series of x-rays will be taken very quickly. As this contrast material is injected, you may feel a "warm" sensation in the area supplied by that artery. This enables your doctor to see the inside of your artery and determine how well blood is moving through the vessel.

At the end of the procedure, the catheter will be removed and pressure will be applied to the puncture site for 15 to 20 minutes. You will be required to lie flat in bed and keep your hip and leg straight for 4 to 8 hours after the procedure. This will allow the puncture site to begin healing and decrease the chance of complications. Pain medication may be given as needed, and a nurse will check your groin site, pulse and blood pressure periodically.

Complications from angiography seldom occur. Bleeding at the puncture site remains the most common complication, but it occurs in only about 3 percent of the total cases done. Bleeding could cause a bruise at the puncture site, but it is usually self-limiting and requires no treatment. Other rare complications include infection, contrast reaction, clot formation, and damage to the artery which may require surgical repair. The doctor will discuss with you any additional risks or complications which may pertain to your particular case.

This educational material is designed to provide general information concerning this procedure. As always, if you have any questions, please discuss them with your doctor.