Peripheral Angiography

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A peripheral angiogram is a test that uses X-rays and dye to help your doctor find narrowed or blocked areas in one or more of the arteries that supply blood to your legs. If there is narrowing of artery can be treated in the same setting or different setting with balloon angioplasty and/or stenting.

What is peripheral artery disease (PAD)?

One common circulatory condition many people face is Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD causes the arteries to narrow, decreases blood flow to the limbs. People who have PAD may feel pain – generally in the legs – because the body doesn’t generate an adequate flow of blood. If you believe you are experiencing pain due to peripheral artery disease, our physicians perform peripheral angiography as a procedural option right here in our office.

What are some signs and symptoms of peripheral artery disease?

Some indicatives of peripheral artery disease may include :

Painful or uncomfortable cramping in the calf, hip, or thigh after walking or climbing stairs
Cold sensations in the foot or lower leg
Sores on the feet, legs, or toes that do not show signs of healing
Numbness or weakness in the leg
Alternating coloration in the legs
Hair loss or prolonged hair growth in the legs or feet
Shiny skin on the legs
Inadequate pulse in the feet or legs

Additionally, erectile dysfunction may also be a sign of peripheral artery disease in men. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, schedule an appointment to meet with one of our physicians.

What can I expect from a peripheral angiogram?

At the start of a peripheral angiography, a contrasting dye will be administered into a blood vessel of the designated treatment area. This dye will help establish visualization of blood flow through the arteries. Utilizing the advanced image technology of an angiography, we will be able to trace the flow of the dye and assess whether further action may be necessary.

What if I have kidney disease? Can angiogram be performed?

Our doctors can do CO2 angiography instead of Dye (Iodine Dye). CACVI is equipped with CO2 angiography which is safe and effective way to do angiogram in kidney disease patient. CO2 doesn’t affect your kidney.

What is a peripheral angioplasty?

A peripheral angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply blood to your legs using a medical “balloon” to widen blocked arteries. If necessary a stent is placed. A stent is a small, metal mesh tube that keeps the artery open.

What are the goals of peripheral angioplasty to address PAD?

The peripheral angioplasty procedure has two major end goals :

To alleviate symptoms of pain or discomfort so you can live your life more comfortably
To prevent the acceleration of atherosclerosis throughout the body, decreasing the risks of a heart attack and stroke

If you are unsure whether you may have peripheral artery disease, contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment.