Peripheral Angiography & Angioplasty (Leg Arteries)

When the legs are short of blood

The same fatty build-up that narrows heart arteries can narrow the arteries of the legs. This is called peripheral artery disease. It is more common in people who smoke or have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Signs to notice

• Cramping pain in the calf, thigh or buttock on walking that eases with rest.
• Pain in the foot at rest, often worse at night.
• A wound or ulcer on the foot or toes that does not heal, or skin turning dark.
• A foot that is colder or paler than the other.

From tests to treatment

A simple ankle-brachial index (comparing blood pressure in the ankle and arm) and a Doppler ultrasound are usually done first. Peripheral angiography then shows the arteries on X-ray using contrast dye, much like coronary angiography. If a suitable narrowing is found, angioplasty can often be done in the same sitting: a balloon widens the artery and a stent may be placed. Some long or complex blockages are better treated with bypass surgery, and mild disease is often managed with medicines and a walking programme.

Step by step

1. Local anaesthesia is given, usually in the groin; you stay awake.
2. A catheter is guided to the leg arteries and dye is injected.
3. If needed, a wire crosses the blockage, a balloon is inflated and a stent may be placed.
4. The catheter is removed and pressure is applied to the puncture site.

Before and after

Tell the doctor about kidney disease, metformin or other diabetes medicines, blood thinners and allergies. Afterwards you will usually take antiplatelet and cholesterol medicines long term. Regular walking, stopping smoking, good sugar control and daily foot checks matter as much as the procedure. Leg artery disease often goes with heart artery disease, so your heart may also be checked.

When to call

Seek urgent help if the leg suddenly becomes painful, cold, pale or numb, or if the groin swells or bleeds.

The right treatment for your legs is decided only after examination and your reports. This page is for understanding, not a substitute for consultation.