When an interventional radiologist suspects an artery or vein may be blocked or have a circulatory problem, he will take an x-ray of the blood vessel in order to better diagnose and plan the proper treatment. He begins the exam by inserting a very thin tube (catheter) into an artery or vein and guiding the catheter to the region of interest. A contrast liquid (special dye) is injected through the tube enabling the blood vessel to be shown on an x-ray. If a blockage or narrowing is suspected, the radiologist can often immediately treat the vessel using angioplasty or thrombolysis.  

 

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Angiography