Peripheral Angiography

Peripheral Angiography Treatment in Hyderabad, India

Peripheral angiography is also known as a peripheral angiogram. It is described as a test that mainly uses X-rays and contrast dye. This contrast dye will help the doctor to know if there are any blocked areas in some of the arteries. The test is mainly used to know if there is a requirement of surgery to open the arteries which are blocked.

Why is a Peripheral Angiogram Done?

If you exhibit symptoms suggesting blockages in your peripheral arteries, your doctor may recommend a peripheral angiogram. While this condition typically affects the legs, it can occur in other areas depending on the underlying disease.

Symptoms indicating the need for peripheral angiography include:

Pain in the arms or legs
Shiny skin on the feet or legs
Hair loss on the legs
Cold Skin
Gangrene, resulting from insufficient blood flow
Non-healing sores
Numbness or weakness in the limbs
Pain during rest
Reddish-blue color in the extremities
Thick, opaque toenails
Difficulty in mobility
Weak pulse in the leg or foot.

Procedure

It is a procedure that uses a balloon catheter which is used to open the arteries which are blocked from the inside. A stent which is a small wire meat tube is used. Another procedure that is used is bypass surgery. The bypass surgery does the rerouting of the blood around the arteries that are blocked.

Risk factors

There could rarely be some serious complications. Some of the risks are as follows.

There could be some amount of bruising and tenderness in the area where the arteries have entered. Sometimes even the bleeding is experienced.

There could be an injury due to the tube that is known as a stent inserted in the artery during the test.

There could be a risk of a blood clot where the needle is inserted.

There could be some type of allergic reactions due to the dye's experience because of the dye used. The reactions can be noticed with itching, rashes and sometimes may experience breathing problems.

Preparing for the test

There will be instructions given about the diet which has to be followed 24 hours before the test.
A person should not intake anything at least 6-8 hours before the peripheral angiogram

It is very important to inform the doctor if any medications are being consumed
Inform the doctors if you have any other type of allergies towards the medicines.

Procedure

The doctor along with the team will perform the test in the hospital.
You will be awake during the test and the nurse will insert an intravenous vein into a vein in the arms. This is done so that you can get the medicines and the fluids that are required.
The area will be cleaned and shaved where the doctor will be working.
Local anesthesia will be given to numb the area where the needle will be punctured.
The doctor will then make a needle puncture which is through the skin and the artery by inserting a long tube that is called a catheter in the artery. Some might experience the pressure but there is no pain.
The doctor will inject a small amount of dye into the catheter because there will be clarity of the arteries appearing in the x-rays due to the dye.
One might feel hot for a few seconds due to the dye. There is nothing to worry about.

After the procedure

Once the test is done you will be taken to the recovery room for a few hours.
The pressure will be put on the puncture site to prevent the bleeding for a few minutes.
The bandage will be applied to the wound.
The catheter will be monitored for any bleeding or swelling.
The instructions will be given and explained to be followed when you will go home.

Precautions to be followed while at home

Lots of liquids to be consumed. This will help to flush the dye from the body. It is very important to have at least a minimum of six glasses of water or one can have unsweetened juice or tea.

After about four to six hours of the angiogram, you can start with solid food and also regular medicines.

If you drive then it is better to avoid at least for two days. The wound would be tender for a few days but you can start the regular activities the next day itself.

What are the Risks of a Peripheral Angiogram?

Potential risks associated with a peripheral angiogram include:

Allergic reaction to the contrast dye: Possibility of an allergic response to the contrast dye used during the procedure.
Bleeding: Risk of bleeding, particularly at the site where the catheter is inserted.
Swelling: Potential for swelling as a post-procedural side effect.
Bruising: Likelihood of bruising as a result of the angiogram.
Infection at the catheter insertion site: Risk of infection at the location where the catheter is introduced.
Kidney problems from the dye: Potential for kidney-related issues due to the contrast dye used.
Individuals with pre-existing kidney disease or allergies to the contrast may face a higher likelihood of complications. In such cases, the healthcare provider may consider using an alternative dye for the procedure.