The word peripheral refers to those arteries which are located away from the center of the body or the heart. This procedure is safe and a commonly used diagnostic procedure, which will help in the management of your peripheral vascular disease. With the knowledge obtained from the peripheral angiogram, the cardiologist will be able to discuss your best treatment options.

Why would I need a Peripheral Angiogram?

One of the most common reasons for peripheral angiogram is the need to visualize the arteries which supply blood flow to the legs; however, an angiogram is also performed to obtain information regarding blood flow in the abdominal region (aorta, intestinal, and renal systems) as well as the upper body (subclavian, pulmonary, or carotid systems).

How is the Angiogram performed?

You will be taken to a specially equipped room where the angiogram will take place. After transfer to an X-ray table, heart monitoring equipment will be placed on your chest and blood pressure equipment will be placed on your arm. The angiogram is performed under sterile conditions. You will be draped with sterile sheets and all personnel will be wearing sterile clothing. The area of catheter insertion will be cleansed with a cool antiseptic solution and the cardiologist will inject the area with a local anesthetic. You will experience a momentary stinging sensation quickly followed by numbness. At the beginning of the angiogram, a small puncture is made in the skin at the chosen insertion site. A sheath is inserted into the opening and a guiding catheter is fed through the sheath into your blood vessel. Usually, the site of insertion is the femoral artery in the right groin, although the left femoral or brachial artery in the arm can also be used.

The catheter is advanced in the circulation to the blood vessel being studied and a liquid dye, which appears white on an X-ray, is injected into the blood vessel. As areas are filled with dye, these vessels can be visualized and X-rays are recorded on videotape and later developed into film. These films are reviewed by the peripheral interventionalist. Once a diagnosis has been reached, your cardiologist will recommend the most appropriate form of treatment.