Angiography

Angiography is a radiographic (x-ray) examination of the blood vessels.  The patient lies on a specialized procedure table.  Intravenous sedative medications and local anesthetic agents are given to assure patient comfort.  A small plastic tube (catheter) is placed into an artery or vein, usually in the groin or arm.  A liquid (contrast dye) is injected through in the catheter as digital radiographic (x-ray) images are acquired.  Angiography can be performed to evaluate all areas of the body including the brain, neck, aorta, kidneys, intestines, liver, arms and legs.  Most patients return home a few hours after the procedure.

Angiography is performed when symptoms suggest narrowing, blockage, abnormal enlargement, or other problems of the arteries or veins.  Common reasons to perform angiography include pain in the legs with walking, non-healing ulcers of the feet, stroke symptoms, high blood pressure, abnormal kidney function, intestinal bleeding, arm or leg swelling, tumors of the liver or other organs, aneurysms, and vascular malformations.  Angiography is often performed immediately prior to endovascular treatment of blood vessels abnormality (see “Angiography and stent placement”).