Extremity arteriography

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Extremity arteriography is a test to see the arteries in the hands, arms, feet, or legs.

Angiography/arteriography of the extremity

This test uses x-rays and a special dye (contrast material) to make blood vessels show up on the images.

Extremity arteriography is done in a hospital or medical center. You will lie on an x-ray table. You may ask for a sedative if you are anxious about the test.

The health care provider will shave and clean an area, usually in the groin area. A numbing medicine (anesthetic) is applied, and a needle inserted into an artery. A thin plastic tube called a catheter is passed through the needle, into the artery, and up into the area of the body being studied. The doctor can see live images of the area on a TV-like monitor, and uses them as a guide.

The dye flows through the catheter. X-ray images are taken. The catheter is occasionally flushed with saline solution to help keep blood in the tube from clotting.

Certain treatments can be done during this procedure. They include dissolving a blood clot with medicine, opening a partially blocked artery with a balloon, or placing a small tube called a stent into an artery to help hold it open. These items are passed through the catheter to the site of interest.

The health care team will check your pulse (heart rate), blood pressure, and breathing during the procedure.

After the x-rays are taken, the needle and catheter are withdrawn. Pressure is immediately applied on the leg at the site of insertion for 10 - 15 minutes to stop the bleeding. After that time, the area is checked and a bandage is applied.

The leg should be kept straight for 6 hours after the procedure. You should avoid strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting, for 24 - 48 hours.

You should not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the test. Some medications, such as aspirin or other blood thinners, may need to be stopped for a while before the test. However, do NOT stop taking any medicines unless told to do so by your health care provider.