Extremity arteriography

Food and fluids will be restricted 8 hours before the test. Some medications, such as aspirin or other blood thinners, may be stopped for a period of time before the examination. However, do not discontinue any medications unless you are advised to do so by your health care provider.

You will wear hospital clothing during this procedure. You will sign a consent form for the procedure. Remove all jewelry from the area being imaged.

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Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant, if you have allergies to any medication, which medications you are taking (including any herbal preparations), and if you have ever had any allergic reactions to x-ray contrast material or iodine substances. Also inform the health care provider if you have ever had any bleeding problems.

Infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

The x-ray table is hard and cold, so you may want to ask for a blanket or pillow. There is a sting when the anesthetic is given. This does not numb the artery, so you will feel a brief, sharp pain as the catheter is inserted. There is a feeling of pressure as the catheter is advanced. As the dye is injected, you may experience a burning sensation.

There may be tenderness and bruising at the site of the injection after the test. If you experience an enlarging mass, recurrent bleeding, or significant pain in the extremity, seek immediate medical attention.

Why the test is performed:

The extremities arteriogram helps identify and locate occlusions (closure of the vessel), stenoses (areas of narrowing) or sites of bleeding. The test is done for persons with symptoms of vascular disease in the extremity (acute or chronic) or after trauma.