Peripheral Angioplasty is a procedure that opens up narrowed or blocked peripheral arteries (arteries not supplying the brain or heart). The femoral artery of the leg is a common site of peripheral angioplasty. A catheter with an empty balloon on its tip is guided into the narrowed part of the artery. The balloon is then filled with air to flatten the plaque against the artery wall. The balloon is deflated and the catheter and wire are removed.

A peripheral angiography is a test similar to coronary angiography. Unlike coronary angiography which is used to look the condition of artery supplying your heart; peripheral angiography is used to check condition of blood vessels supplying your legs and arms. This test uses special x-ray machine and it is performed in cath lab.

WHEN TO DO PERIPHERAL ANGIOGRAPHY?

Peripheral angiogram is useful test for the diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a disease in which cholesterol and/or blood clots cause narrowing of the lumen of the artery supplying blood to your the legs or arms. Such blocks in the artery cause muscle pain or cramping in legs or arms on activity, such as walking or climbing stairs, and disappears after a few minutes of rest (intermittent claudication).

Once the disease progresses, you may feel pain even at rest. Critical narrowing of the artery can cause ulcer or gangrene formation in your leg.