What is Arterial Angiography?
Arterial Angiography is a specialized imaging procedure that allows your doctor to assess the condition of your arteries. During the procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the arteries, and advanced imaging techniques, such as X-ray or fluoroscopy, are used to visualize blood flow and identify any abnormalities or blockages.
Arterial angiography can be used to diagnose a number of problems with the arteries, including:
- Narrowed arteries
- Blood clots
- Aneurysms
- Arteriovenous malformations
Arterial angiography can also be used to plan surgery to repair or replace blocked or damaged arteries.
Symptoms Requiring Arterial Angiography
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend Arterial Angiography to evaluate the health of your arteries:
- Persistent leg pain, particularly during physical activity (intermittent claudication)
- Coldness or numbness in the extremities
- Non-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet or legs
- Decreased or weak pulse in the limbs
- Signs of peripheral artery disease (PAD) or other arterial conditions
What does an Arterial Angiography Procedure Entail?
Arterial angiography is typically performed under local anesthesia. The doctor will make a small incision in the skin over the artery that you want to image. A needle will then be inserted into the incision and a contrast dye will be injected into the artery.
The contrast dye will make the blood vessels show up on the x-rays. This will allow the doctor to see the size, shape, and condition of the arteries.
In some cases, you may need to stay in the hospital for a short time after an arterial angiography. This is usually only necessary if you have any complications.
Treatments and Risks:
Arterial Angiography is an essential tool for diagnosing and planning treatments for various arterial conditions. Based on the results of the procedure, our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include:
- Angioplasty: If a blockage is detected during the Angiography, our interventionalists can perform angioplasty. This minimally invasive procedure involves inflating a small balloon in the narrowed artery to widen it and restore blood flow.
- Angiogram Stent: In some cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) may be inserted to keep the artery open and prevent future blockages.
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with Arterial Angiography. These risks may include allergic reactions to the contrast dye, bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site, or damage to the blood vessel. However, our team takes every precaution to minimize these risks and prioritize your safety and well-being.