Peripheral Angiography, Angioplasty, and Stenting

Peripheral angiography is the injection of contrast to evaluate for peripheral arterial disease, or the narrowing of arteries in the arms and legs, along with indicated procedures such as angioplasty or stenting to open the blockages.

This procedure may be done in our office based endovascular lab, or at the hospital. The location is at the discretion of the physician and patient based on each individual's needs.

This procedure is done while you are awake, however you will be given medicine to help you relax during the procedure. Using local anesthesia or numbing medicine, a needle is placed in your groin or arm and a small tube is advanced through your artery. Contrast is then injected through that tube and X-Ray pictures are taken.

Angioplasty is when a tiny balloon is inserted through the tube into the area of the blockage. The balloon is then inflated for short intervals to compress the plaque or fatty deposits against the artery wall in order to open the artery to allow more blood flow.

Stents are sometimes used to help keep the artery open after angioplasty. Stents are tiny wire tubes on a balloon. Similar to angioplasty the balloon and stent are inflated over the area of the blockage. The balloon is inflated at short intervals. When the balloon is deflated and removed the stent stays in place at the area of the blockage.

1. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before.

2. Bring all medications with you.

3. Individual medications you should take the morning of the procedure will be discussed when your procedure is scheduled.

4. You must have someone accompany you for this procedure as you will not be allowed to drive for 24hrs.

This requires a needle stick to the artery. So you will be required to stay 2 to 3 hours after your procedure.