These tests are similar to Coronary Angiography. In this situation, the catheters’ tips are directed to different arteries. The risks of these procedures are similar to the risks listed for Cardiac Catheterization.
In the case of Carotid and Cerebral Angiography, the catheter tip is placed in the neck arteries that lead to the brain. Dye injection is performed and x-ray movie pictures are taken to look for narrowings or blockages in these arteries.
In the case of Peripheral Angiography, the catheters are positioned to take pictures of the arteries that feed the legs with blood. Blockages or narrowings in these arteries cause claudication or cramping pains in the muscles associated with exercise.