An arteriogram is an x-ray image of the arteries or blood vessels to evaluate various conditions, such as an aneurysm (ballooning of a blood vessel), stenosis (narrowing of a blood vessel), or blockage.

After giving local anesthesia similar to that used in dental work, a needle is placed in a blood vessel and used to thread a thin tube or catheter into it. Contrast materal (dye) is injected through the catheter into the body's circulatory system. This causes the blood vessels to appear opaque on the x-ray image. This allows the physician to better visualize the structure of the vessel(s) under examination.

Many arteries can be examined by an arteriogram, including: arterial systems of the legs, kidneys, brain, and heart.

Generally, an arteriogram procedure follows this process:

1. The patient is positioned on an x-ray table.
   
   
2. An intravenous line is inserted into a vein in the patient's arm.
   
   
3. The patient is connected to an EKG monitor that records the electrical activity of the heart and monitors the heart during the procedure using small, adhesive, electrode patches.
   
   
4. Local anesthesia is given in the arm or groin and a small catheter is inserted.
   
   
5. The catheter is threaded into the artery to be examined.
   
   
6. A injection of contrast material is given.
   
   
7. A series of x-rays are taken.
   
   
8. The catheter is then removed and hand pressure is applied over the arm or leg to keep the artery from bleeding.
   
   
9. The patient lies flat in a recovery area for a few hours after the procedure.
   
   
10. Once at home, the patient should monitor the puncture site for bleeding, unusual pain, swelling or abnormal discoloration. A small bruise is normal. The patient may be advised not to do any strenuous activities for a day or so.