Peripheral Angiography

Peripheral angiography is a radiological imaging method used to visualize the blood vessels in areas such as the arms, legs, neck, and abdomen. In this procedure, a thin catheter is inserted through the groin or arm, and an iodine-based contrast agent is injected into the vessels while X-ray images are taken. Peripheral angiography is used to diagnose vessel narrowing, blockage, aneurysms, and other vascular diseases. In this article, frequently asked questions about peripheral angiography will be answered to help you understand this important imaging technique.

Peripheral Angiography Service at A Life Health Group

At A Life Health Group, we provide peripheral angiography services with our experienced radiology specialists and advanced angiography units. The procedure is performed with the patient’s comfort and safety as a priority, and a detailed report is prepared and presented to your doctor for treatment planning.

Peripheral angiography is a radiological imaging method used to visualize the blood vessels in areas such as the arms, legs, neck, and abdomen. In this procedure, a thin catheter is inserted through the groin or arm, and an iodine-based contrast agent is injected into the vessels while X-ray images are taken. Peripheral angiography is used to diagnose vessel narrowing, blockage, aneurysms, and other vascular diseases.

Peripheral angiography can be performed in the following cases:

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A condition caused by the narrowing or blockage of arteries in the legs and feet. PAD can lead to leg pain while walking (claudication), foot ulcers, and other circulation problems. Peripheral angiography is used to diagnose PAD and determine its severity.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): The formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, which can increase the risk of pulmonary embolism. Peripheral angiography can help diagnose DVT and locate and measure the size of the clot.
• Aneurysm: A condition in which the vessel wall weakens and balloons outward. Aneurysms can be dangerous due to the risk of rupture. Peripheral angiography is used to diagnose aneurysms and determine their size and location.
• Vessel Narrowing and Blockage: Peripheral angiography can visualize narrowing and blockages in vessels throughout the body. These conditions can cause circulation problems and organ damage.
• Other Reasons: Peripheral angiography can also be performed to assess vessel injuries, congenital vascular abnormalities, and the effects of tumors on blood vessels.

Peripheral angiography is usually performed in a hospital or imaging center. The steps before, during, and after the procedure are as follows:

• Pre-procedure Preparation: Before the procedure, some tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and an ECG may be performed. It is also important to inform your doctor about any medications or substances you are allergic to. You may need to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• During the Procedure: You will be asked to lie on a table. The groin or arm area is cleaned and sterilized. Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area where the intervention will take place. Then, a thin needle is inserted into an artery, and a catheter is advanced into the vessel with the help of the needle. The catheter is guided to the vessel to be visualized, and contrast material is injected. X-ray images are taken after the contrast is injected.
• Post-procedure: After the procedure, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the intervention site to stop bleeding. It is recommended to rest for several hours and drink plenty of fluids. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few days after the procedure.

• Catheter Angiography: The most common type of peripheral angiography. The procedure described above is an example of this type.
• Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA): An angiography technique combined with a CT scan. It is used to obtain three-dimensional images of the vessels and is a less invasive method compared to catheter angiography.
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): An angiography technique combined with an MRI scan. It provides detailed images of the vessels and is safer than catheter angiography because it does not use ionizing radiation. However, it cannot be performed on patients with metal implants.

Peripheral angiography is generally a safe procedure, but like any medical intervention, it carries some risks and complications. These may include bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, vessel damage, blood clot formation, and kidney problems.

The recovery process after peripheral angiography is generally short and straightforward. It is recommended to rest for a few hours after the procedure and drink plenty of fluids. Mild pain, bruising, or swelling may occur at the procedure site. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days. Your doctor will provide guidance on precautions to take after the procedure.

The prices of peripheral angiography may vary depending on the center where the procedure is performed, the type of procedure, and the patient’s insurance status. You can contact the center before the angiography to get information about the cost.

The peripheral angiography procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes. However, the duration may vary depending on the patient’s condition and the vessels being examined.

You may feel slight discomfort during the peripheral angiography procedure. However, since local anesthesia is applied to the catheter insertion site, the procedure is generally not painful.

After a peripheral angiography procedure, you may need to rest for a few hours. Bleeding or bruising may occur at the catheter insertion site. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days. Your doctor will provide guidance on what to watch for after the procedure.

Peripheral angiography is generally a safe procedure. However, like any medical intervention, it carries some risks. These risks may include bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, vessel damage, and kidney problems. However, these complications are rare.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition caused by the narrowing or blockage of arteries in the legs and arms. This condition can lead to symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, tingling, and delayed wound healing.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs. This condition can cause symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, redness, and increased warmth. DVT is a serious condition and can lead to life-threatening complications, such as pulmonary embolism.