Angiography/Arteriography
Angiography, also known as arteriography, is a diagnostic imaging technique used to examine the arteries for narrowing or blockage of the vessels and other potential problems. Each angiogram is tailored to the individual patient and organs of concern – for example, legs for peripheral arterial disease, kidneys for hypertension or the heart for cardiac disease.
Our endovascular specialists may need to perform an angiogram to diagnose malformed blood vessels, blockages, or areas with narrowing or abnormal blood supply. Once the problem in the blood vessel is diagnosed, the specialist may move forward with immediate treatment, typically angioplasty or a stent.
- One of our endovascular specialists inserts a small catheter in an artery in the groin or arm and steers it through the blood vessels.
- The specialist then injects contrast dye through the catheter into the blood vessel, making the inside of the blood vessel and its branches visible with X-rays. The different types of injectable contrast dyes include iodine agents and carbon dioxide.
