Femoral arteriography is a medical procedure used to indicate the arterial blood supply to the legs. This medical imaging technique is used to diagnose or monitor any blockages or narrowing of the arteries.
Before the procedure, you will be requested to undergo a pre-assessment check to determine if you can have the arteriography or not. This involves questions about your health, fitness and your past medical history. Your blood pressure and pulse will be monitored and you may also be required to take a urine test and an ECG. If there is a chance of pregnancy, you need to inform the radiologist before the procedure.
Once you are cleared for the procedure, you will be given a day and time for the test along with instructions not to consume anything for 6 hours prior to the procedure. You may drink water up to 2 hours before the test time. On the day of the test, you will be admitted to the clinic or hospital and will need to sign a consent form for the test. The area around the groin will then be shaved and cleaned. During the procedure, there will be up to five people in the room. These will include the radiologist, up to two radiographers and two x-ray nurses.
The procedure of a femoral arteriography involves the use of a fine catheter that is inserted through a tube into an artery near the groin.
The entry site of the catheter is usually a point in the lower abdomen where the main artery of the lower body divides. This provides the radiologist or doctor with the best view of the arteries of both legs.
Local anesthetic is applied first to the skin around the site of insertion.
The radiologist will then guide the catheter to its proper position by monitoring its movement with the help of a screen monitor. Once the catheter is in position, a dye will be injected in through the tube and x-rays will be taken. As the dye moves through the arteries of the legs, the table on which you are lying on will move under the x-ray machines and a complete image of both legs will be provided. Once the procedure is complete, the catheter is carefully removed and the insertion site is pressed down to prevent bruising and to seal of the hole created in the artery. It is advisable to remain lying down for up to four hours after the procedure to speed up the healing process. After the test, you should not drive for 24 hours.
The contrast injection used may make you feel flushed and warm as the dye moves through the bloodstream. Some people experience cramps in their legs when the dye reaches the arteries in the legs while others complain of a strange metallic taste in their mouths. Be assured that these are normal reactions and will pass in a few minutes.
In some cases, the arteriogram may show a blockage of an artery. It may be necessary to perform an angioplasty in addition to the arteriogram to stretch and widen the artery up to its normal size. To do this, the radiologist will insert a special catheter, consisting of a balloon tip. Once this catheter reaches the narrowed or blocked site, the balloon is dilated and the artery stretched to its normal size. If an angioplasty is performed in conjunction with an arteriogram, then a stay at the clinic or hospital before the procedure is carried out, is necessary.
Complications of the procedure may include: