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Peripheral Vascular Angiography/Intervention

For the diagnosis and treatment for peripheral artery and venous disease

Peripheral vascular angiography is a diagnostic procedure that combines medical imaging (X-rays) and a contrast dye to visualize blood vessels in the body’s extremities (arms, legs, hands and feet). It can identify problems such as low blood flow and arterial blockages that are signs of peripheral artery disease, as well as blood clots within the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis).

The doctors of CU Medicine Interventional Radiology offer several vascular treatments (interventions) depending on the condition diagnosed. All are minimally invasive, and involve the use of tiny catheters and devices–guided by imaging–to effectively treat the problem.

Peripheral Vascular Angiography/Intervention

During the angiography procedure, a doctor inserts a very thin catheter into an artery in the thigh or wrist. Imaging is used to guide the catheter into the limb where a blockage is suspected. The contrast dye is then injected through the catheter and into the artery, helping the doctor to visualize blood flow through the blood vessel and to identify a narrowed or blocked artery. If a problem is diagnosed at this time, a vascular treatment can be performed while the catheter is inside the artery.

The doctors of CU Medicine Interventional Radiology offer several vascular treatments (interventions) depending on the condition diagnosed. All are minimally invasive, and involve the use of tiny catheters and devices–guided by imaging–to effectively treat the problem.

Peripheral Vascular Angiography/Intervention

Balloon Angioplasty

At the site of a blockage within an artery, a small balloon is inserted and inflated. This procedure effectively pushes the plaque against the artery wall to open the blood vessel and restore blood flow.

Stenting

After balloon angioplasty, a stent (small metal scaffold) is sometimes placed within the artery. The scaffold is placed at the site of the angioplasty and opened, providing a structure to keep the artery open and blood flowing.

Atherectomy

An alternative to balloon angioplasty, this procedure uses a special catheter with a blade, laser or rotating “burring” device to cut and remove plaque from the artery wall. The plaque is then removed through the catheter or dissolved.

These PAD treatments are performed on an outpatient basis, without surgery and without hospitalization. After a brief period of observation, you may return home and resume most normal activities within a couple of days.

For more information about peripheral vascular angiography, or to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, please visit our contact page or call (720) 516-0637.