Specialities

PERIPHERAL ANGIOGRAM & ANGIOPLASTY

A peripheral angiogram is a test that uses X-rays and contrast dye to help your doctor find narrowed or blocked areas in one or more of the arteries that supply blood to your legs, feet, or in some cases, your arms and hands. The test is also called extremity angiography. The peripheral angiogram helps you and your health care professional decide if a surgical procedure is needed to open blocked arteries.
Peripheral angioplasty is a procedure in which a balloon catheter is used to open the blocked artery from the inside. A small wire mesh tube called a stent is usually placed in the artery during angioplasty to help keep it open. Bypass surgery is another procedure. It re-routes blood around the blocked arteries. Serious risks from peripheral angiograms are very unlikely.

Some complications may include:
1. Bruising, bleeding or tenderness at the area the artery was entered.
2. Injury or damage to an artery caused by the thin tube (catheter) that’s inserted into your artery during the test.
3. Blood clot at the location of the needle puncture.
4. Some people may have allergic reactions to the dye used in the test. This reaction may manifest itself with itching, rash or breathing problems. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to X-ray contrast dye or iodine substances.