PERIPHERAL ANGIOGRAPHY
Peripheral angiography is a minimally invasive imaging procedure used to examine the blood vessels in your arms and legs. It’s a two-part process that allows doctors to diagnose and sometimes treat blockages in these peripheral arteries.
Diagnosis:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): the most common reason for an angiogram. PAD causes narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. Symptoms include leg pain, cramping, sores that won’t heal, and coldness.
- Aneurysms: weak bulges in the artery wall that can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding.
- Blood clots: can block blood flow and cause tissue death (gangrene).
Procedure:
- Catheter Insertion: A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in your groin, wrist, or arm.
- Contrast Injection: A contrast dye is injected through the catheter into the target arteries. This dye shows up clearly on X-ray images, highlighting the blood flow and any blockages.
- X-ray Imaging: X-ray images are taken as the dye travels through your arteries. These images provide a detailed view of the blood vessels and any abnormalities.
IR Treatment During Angiography:
Interventional radiology (IR) uses imaging techniques like X-rays during angiography to perform certain treatments on the blood vessels. Here are some IR treatments that can be done concurrently with an angiogram:
- Angioplasty: A tiny balloon catheter is inserted and inflated at the blockage to open the narrowed artery.
- Stenting: A small mesh tube (stent) is placed in the artery to keep it open after angioplasty.
- Thrombolytic therapy: Clot-busting medication is delivered directly to the clot through the catheter to dissolve it and restore blood flow.
Benefits of Peripheral Angiography with IR Treatment:
- Minimally invasive compared to open surgery.
- Quicker recovery time.
- Can diagnose and treat blockages in one procedure.
- Improves blood flow and relieves symptoms of PAD.
Success Story of IR Clinic
Types of Peripheral Angiography:
- Fluoroscopy angiography: This is the most common type, using real-time X-ray imaging to visualize blood flow as the contrast dye travels through the arteries.
- Digital subtraction angiography (DSA): This advanced technique uses computers to subtract background structures, creating sharper images of the blood vessels.
Preparation for Peripheral Angiography:
- Medical history review: Your doctor will discuss your medical history, allergies, and medications.
- Blood tests: These may be done to assess kidney function and bleeding risk.
- Fasting: You might be instructed to avoid food and drink for several hours before the procedure.
- Medication adjustments: Certain medications, like blood thinners, may need to be temporarily stopped before the procedure.
Recovery after Peripheral Angiography:
- You’ll likely be monitored for several hours after the procedure to ensure no complications arise.
- The insertion site might be bruised or sore for a day or two. You’ll receive instructions on caring for the insertion site.
- Most patients can go home the same day or the following day.
- Normal activities can usually be resumed within a few days, but strenuous activity may be restricted for a short period.
Risks and Complications of Peripheral Angiography:
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye (usually mild)
- Bleeding or infection at the insertion site
- Damage to the artery during catheter insertion
- Kidney problems, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease
IR Treatments Performed During Angiography:
- Angioplasty and Stenting: As mentioned earlier, a balloon catheter inflates to widen the narrowed artery, and a stent is often placed to keep it open.
- Atherectomy: A specialized catheter removes plaque buildup from the artery wall.
- Embolization: Tiny particles are used to block blood flow to abnormal vessels, such as those feeding a tumor.
Alternatives to Peripheral Angiography:
- Doppler ultrasound: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to assess blood flow in the arteries.
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): This imaging technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the blood vessels.
- Computed tomography angiography (CTA): This combines X-rays with computer technology to create 3D images of the blood vessels.
