Digital subtraction angiogram

This is a procedure which is performed to identify and ascertain the severity and location of the narrowing or blockage in the blood vessels and to plan for the treatment of the abnormalities.

This is usually performed under local anaesthesia through a small pinhole in the groin or wrist area. A small catheter (fine tube) is inserted under x-ray guidance into the blood vessels of interest and X-ray dye is injected while the images are obtained. Images of the vein is called a venogram. Angioplasty / stenting may be performed at the same sitting after the angiogram.