Interventional Radiology
Peripheral angioplasty
Why is a peripheral angiogram & angioplasty required?
A peripheral angiogram is a test carried out to identify any blood vessel narrowing or blocked areas in the arteries supplying your pelvis, legs, knees, ankles and less frequently, your arms.
The angiogram will determine whether there is any Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD can cause narrowings or blockages in your peripheral arteries causing pain, discomfort and tiredness (also referred to as claudication). The pain may disappear with rest.
If a narrowing or blockage is found during an angiogram, a special balloon or stent (a fine mesh stainless steel tube) may be used to open up the narrowed portion of the artery. This is called Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA). In cases where there is an extreme blockage, you may be referred to a surgeon for bypass surgery.

A - Angiogram showing tibio peroneal artery in your leg. Arrow shows a narrowing due to PAD.
B - Narrowing treated with a stent