Peripheral arteriography is a method of examining blood vessels, in which their images are obtained using an X-ray machine and special X-ray contrast substances that are clearly visible in X-rays. This method is carried out if the following vascular pathology is suspected:
- aneurysm (bulging of the vessel wall)
- obturation (blockage)
- damage to the wall
- inflammation
- narrowing
- thrombosis
- cancer.
Before arteriography, sedatives and painkillers are administered intravenously to the patient. The puncture area is shaved and anesthetized. A catheter is inserted into a large vessel (usually the inguinal artery). As soon as the catheter reaches its destination, the doctor will begin to inject rengen contrast through it. At the end of the introduction of the X-ray contrast agent, several pictures are taken. Then the catheter is removed and a tight bandage is applied to the puncture site. After the procedure, the patient is under the supervision of a doctor for several more hours.
Peripheral arteriography is performed on an empty stomach. Before it is carried out, it is necessary to inform the doctor about all medications taken. Some of them can lead to complications during the diagnostic procedure, for example, aspirin or heparin can cause bleeding, so their intake is temporarily stopped.
