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Lower Extremity Angiogram

A lower extremity angiogram is a medical imaging procedure used to visualize the blood vessels in the legs and feet. It is used to diagnose and evaluate conditions that affect blood flow in the lower extremities, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), blood clots, or narrowed or blocked arteries.

What is a Lower Extremity Angiogram?

If you're experiencing symptoms like leg pain, numbness, or weakness, especially during physical activity, you may suffer from a condition affecting blood flow in your legs and feet. These symptoms can be caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), blood clots, or narrowed or blocked arteries, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. To accurately diagnose and assess the severity of these conditions, your doctor may recommend a lower extremity angiogram.

The results of a lower extremity angiogram can help doctors determine the best course of treatment for conditions affecting blood flow in the legs and feet, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Benefits & Risks of a ​​Lower Extremity Angiogram

Benefits of a lower extremity angiogram:

  • Accurate diagnosis: Lower extremity angiograms provide detailed images of the blood vessels in the legs and feet, allowing doctors to accurately diagnose conditions that affect blood flow, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), blood clots, or narrowed or blocked arteries.
  • Targeted treatment planning: The results of a lower extremity angiogram help doctors develop personalized treatment plans based on the specific location and severity of the issues affecting blood flow in the patient's legs and feet.
  • Improved outcomes: By enabling early diagnosis and targeted treatment, lower extremity angiograms can help prevent serious complications associated with poor circulation, such as chronic pain, non-healing wounds, or even amputation.
  • Minimally invasive: Compared to more invasive diagnostic procedures, lower extremity angiograms are relatively minimally invasive, requiring only a small incision to insert the catheter.

 

Risks of a lower extremity angiogram:

  • Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding at the site where the catheter is inserted, although this is usually minor and can be controlled with pressure or medication.
  • Infection: As with any invasive procedure, there is a small risk of infection at the catheter insertion site. Sterile techniques and proper wound care help minimize this risk.
  • Allergic reaction: Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during the angiogram. Patients with known allergies to iodine or contrast dyes should inform their doctor before the procedure.
  • Kidney damage: In rare cases, the contrast dye used during the angiogram can cause kidney damage, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney problems. Doctors may take precautions or consider alternative imaging methods for high-risk patients.
  • Radiation exposure: Lower extremity angiograms involve exposure to X-ray radiation, although the amount is generally considered safe. Pregnant women should inform their doctor, as the procedure may be postponed or an alternative imaging method may be used.
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What to Expect With a Lower Extremity Angiogram

Before The Procedure

  • Your doctor will explain the procedure's benefits and potential risks. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns.
  • Inform your doctor about any medications you're taking, allergies (especially to iodine or contrast dyes), and any medical conditions, including pregnancy.
  • You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before the procedure.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions regarding eating and drinking before the angiogram. You may need to fast for several hours before the procedure.

 

During The Procedure

  • You'll change into a hospital gown and lie on an X-ray table.
  • The area where the catheter will be inserted (usually the groin) will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
  • A small incision will be made, and a thin, flexible tube (catheter) will be inserted into the artery and guided to the area being examined.
  • You may feel pressure or discomfort as the catheter moves through your blood vessels, but the procedure is generally not painful.
  • A contrast dye will be injected through the catheter, and X-ray images will be taken. You may feel a warm sensation or a brief metallic taste in your mouth as the dye is injected.
  • The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your case.

 

After The Procedure

  • The catheter will be removed, and pressure will be applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding.
  • You'll be monitored for a few hours in a recovery area to ensure there are no complications.
  • You may experience some bruising, soreness, or swelling at the catheter insertion site. These symptoms should resolve within a few days.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast dye from your system.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions regarding rest, medication, and wound care. You may need to avoid strenuous activities for a day or two.
  • Your doctor will discuss the angiogram results with you and recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on the findings.

Am I a Candidate for a Lower Extremity Angiogram?

If you're experiencing symptoms that suggest a problem with blood flow in your legs or feet, you may be a candidate for a lower extremity angiogram. Your doctor will consider several factors when determining whether this procedure is appropriate for you, including:

  • Symptoms: If you have symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, weakness, or skin discoloration, especially during physical activity or when at rest, these may indicate a problem with blood flow in your lower extremities.
  • Medical history: Your doctor will consider your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, which can increase your risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and other circulatory issues.
  • Physical examination: Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, checking for signs of poor circulation, such as weak pulses, skin changes, or non-healing wounds on your legs or feet.
  • Non-invasive tests: Before recommending an angiogram, your doctor may order non-invasive tests, such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) or Doppler ultrasound, to assess blood flow in your legs and feet.
  • Response to conservative treatment: If you've already tried conservative treatments, such as lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, exercising, or eating a healthy diet) or medications to manage your symptoms but haven't experienced sufficient improvement, an angiogram may be the next step.
  • Severity of the condition: If your doctor suspects a severe blockage or multiple blockages in the arteries of your legs or feet based on your symptoms and non-invasive test results, an angiogram may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

Take Control of Your Vascular Health

If you're experiencing symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD), such as leg pain, numbness, or non-healing wounds, don't wait to seek help. Schedule an appointment with our skilled vascular specialists today to see if you need a lower extremity angiogram.
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