1. Peripheral Angiography

Peripheral angiography is an outpatient procedure that helps in blood vessel problems in the body and legs. It allows your doctor to correctly map out any blockages to the blood vessels that carry blood through your lower body and limbs.

Indication for peripheral angiography

Suspected peripheral vascular disease causing symptoms such as pain in the calf or thighs while exercising.

2. Carotid Angiography

Carotid angiography allows your cardiologist to map out any narrowing in your carotid arteries or the blood vessels leading to your brain. These narrowings can cause numbness, weakness, trouble with speech, or change in vision and may be warning signs of stroke.

Indication for a carotid angiography

Carotid angiography is often used as a diagnostic tool to facilitate surgery or carotid stenting to the narrowed carotid arteries.

Preparation before peripheral or carotid angiography

Carotid and peripheral angiography is generally safe, however, your cardiologist or doctor will explain beforehand and detail the risks involved in such procedures to you.

You may need to fast the night before your angiography or otherwise instructed. If your doctor says to take your medicines, swallow them with only sips of water.

The nurse may require you to shower, change clothing, remove all dentures, prosthesis, and jewelry prior to the procedure.

How is peripheral or carotid angiography done?

You will be taken to the cath lab to have the procedure performed. Your nurse will assist you to lie on the x-ray table and prepare you for the procedure. Intravenous medication will be given to help you relax.

Local anesthetic will be given to help numb the area where the insertion will be done. Your doctor will insert a catheter into the artery with the aid of a video monitor. A contrast or dye will be injected into a catheter. You may experience spreading warmth over the areas where the dye is injected.

You will be asked to lie still when picture images or x-ray are taken. When this is completed, the catheter is removed. Pressure will then be applied to the site by hand or with a special belt.

You will be taken to a recovery area after the procedure. Your nurse will keep applying pressure to the puncture area for about 10 minutes.

You will need to keep your leg straight for a few hours. Your doctors will discuss the results with you soon after the procedure.