Peripheral Angiograms

The term peripheral angiogram covers a wide variety of tests used to examine peripheral circulation. An angiogram is performed in any particular area that is suspected to have a blockage or narrowing.

• Aortic artery – aortogram

• Renal arteries – renal angiogram

• Legs – lower extremity angiogram

• Arms – upper extremity angiogram

This common procedure is nonsurgical and relatively painless. It is performed by an interventional cardiologist.

Details about the patency and function of the arteries are used to diagnose and treat peripheral artery disease (PAD), and some results could lead to diagnosing thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysms.

An angiogram is performed with a catheter (a small flexible tube) that is inserted through a small incision either in the groin, arm, or wrist. The catheter is advanced to the area of concern, and dye is injected. Images are obtained with an x-ray camera to show the arteries and the blood flowing through them. The results are instantaneous.

The area of insertion will be prepped, and an anesthetic will be injected to numb the area quickly. Before the catheter is inserted, a small hollow tube is placed to pass the catheter through. It is only necessary to numb the skin at the insertion site, as the blood vessels do not contain nerves. Therefore, an angiogram will cause little discomfort. A sensation of warmth or flushing may be felt when the dye is injected through the catheter. The warmth should only last 20 to 30 seconds. A peripheral arteriogram (a movie of the blood flow) is then obtained.

If blockages are found, an angioplasty may be performed, where a small balloon is inflated to open up the blockage. If needed, a stent (wire coil) may also be inserted to keep the blockage from closing back up.