Angiography describes a diagnostic procedure used to help doctors visualize blood vessels in the body, even those in organs such as the heart, lungs or kidneys. To perform this procedure, doctors insert a thin plastic tube, called a catheter, through a small incision in the skin directly into an artery. Once at the desired location within the body, the doctor injects a contrast dye and then uses an imaging procedure such as an X-ray to visualize the area. Angiography can eliminate the need for major surgery, as indicated by the American College of Radiology, but complications can arise.
Bleeding
Once the doctor inserts the catheter into the artery, he must carefully thread it through the blood vessels until it reaches the desired location. Although rare, the catheter can puncture a blood vessel along the way causing internal bleeding. Bleeding may also occur at the site of the incision.
Infection
As with any procedure that enters the body through an incision, infection can occur. The infection usually affects the site of the incision, resulting in pain or soreness. If the catheter introduces infection into the bloodstream, it may lead to additional complications. An infection in the blood, known as bacteremia, can lead to septicemia. Signs of septicemia include a spiking fever, chills, rapid heart rate and rapid breathing. If left untreated, this condition can quickly become life-threatening, according to MedLinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health.
Dye Reactions
In order to visualize the smallest blood vessels, doctors inject contrast dye into the artery. This dye contains iodine, and some patients may experience a reaction to the dye. An allergic reaction to the dye may cause a feeling of warmth, nausea and vomiting. A more severe reaction can cause hives and swelling. Rarely, the contrast dye may trigger an anaphylactic reaction, a medical emergency that can lead to death.
The kidneys filter blood to remove waste products and excess fluids. The dye in the blood can temporarily damage the kidneys causing them to lose function. Although in most cases the kidneys regain function in five to seven days, doctors discourage those with kidney disease from undergoing angiography, according to the American College of Radiology.
Blood Clots
The presence of a catheter in an artery can allow platelets to aggregate, forming a blood clot. In addition, the catheter may dislodge material on the blood vessel walls, such as plaque. The blood clot or the plaque can get stuck in a blood vessel, resulting in a blockage. If this occurs in an artery leading to the heart, a heart attack can occur. The lack of blood and oxygen reaching the heart can permanently damage the heart muscle and interfere with its function. A blockage in a blood vessel leading to the brain can cause a stroke---the death of brain cells due to a lack of oxygen.
