Diagnostic arteriography

An arteriogram allows doctors to view arteries in nearly any area of the body. It's often one of the first steps the interventional radiologist takes to help diagnose problems and pinpoint treatment areas.

The procedure

The doctor will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a blood vessel in your arm, groin, neck or chest. A thin, hollow tube (catheter) is then inserted into the IV line and guided to the area of concern. A contrasting agent - usually water, saline, iodine or another substance - is injected into the blood vessel to make it show up on X-ray.

Advantages

• The most effective way to view arteries
• Minimally invasive
• Results are often available within hours