Peripheral Vascular Procedures
Just like the vessels that feed your heart with blood, you also have many other vessels that feed the rest of your body, and these vessels can also become diseased. Your doctor may request peripheral vascular studies to detect disruption in the flow of blood in your peripheral vessels (in your legs and arms). These studies are done in much the same was as arterial studies of the heart, and usually in our outpatient surgical center or the hospital cath labs.
You will be given medication to relax you via IV access, and then arterial access is obtained with a small incision, where a small catheter is inserted. The doctor will use a contrast dye to visualize the arteries on a screen and overhead and take digital images, and determine if you have an blockages, disruption to flow, or other issues. Once the images are complete, the catheter is removed and you will be monitored in the recovery area until you’re stable enough to go home. While you will not be fully asleep, you will be sedated so you will not be allowed to drive yourself home.