Angiogram & Angioplasty
A clear understanding of your vascular care can help you feel more informed and confident.
While an angiogram and an angioplasty are often performed during the same visit, they have different purposes — one is for diagnosis, and the other is for treatment.
A peripheral angiogram is a minimally invasive test that provides detailed images of blood flow through your arteries so we can detect narrowing or blockages that may be affecting circulation.
An angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open a narrowed or blocked artery and restore healthy circulation using stents, small tubes that stay inside the artery to keep it open, as well as other interventions.
Step-by-Step Overview
A small access point is made, usually in the wrist or ankle.
A thin catheter is gently inserted into an artery.
With real-time imaging guidance, the catheter is advanced to the area of concern.
A contrast dye is injected to highlight the blood vessels.
A catheter with a tiny balloon at the tip is guided to the narrowed artery.
Once in place, the balloon is gently inflated to widen the artery and improve blood flow.
A small expandable mesh tube called a stent is placed to keep the artery open long-term.
Benefits
Improves blood flow to areas not getting enough circulation.
Helps wounds heal faster, especially in the feet and legs.
Reduces pain caused by poor circulation.
Helps prevent tissue damage caused by lack of oxygen and nutrients.
May help avoid amputation in severe circulation problems.
Minimally invasive — no large surgical incision.
Short recovery time compared with open surgery.
Often performed as an outpatient procedure — go home the same day.
Can be repeated if needed to maintain good blood flow.
Is This Right for You?
Leg pain when walking or resting from poor circulation.
A wound or ulcer on your foot or leg that is slow to heal.
Diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Narrowed or blocked arteries found in your legs.