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Peripheral Angiography
Peripheral angiography captures images of peripheral arteries (arteries in the lower abdomen, kidneys, arms, legs and feet). Peripheral arteries, that supply blood to the head and neck or the abdomen and legs, do not normally show up on X-rays. Durning a peripheral angiography, contrast (dye) is used while an X-ray captures images of the peripheral arteries. To inject the contrast (dye) into the blood stream, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the upper thigh (groin) or arm. Once the catheter is in place the contrast (dye) is released and the angiograms are taken. The peripheral angiograms can indicate the build up of plaque on the inside walls of peripheral arteries and can help detect peripheral vascular disease (PVD). This procedure is performed in a cardiovascular catheterization laboratory, with local anesthesia.
