Outpatient angiography

Outpatient angiography of the abdominal aorta and the peripheral arteries of the under limbs was performed in 100 patients with complaints of peripheral vascular disease. In all patients small 5F catheters, a low-osmolar contrast medium and intraarterial digital subtraction angiography could reduce the local and general invasiveness of the angiographic procedure. Two complications occurred. In one patient thrombosis at the puncture site was noted. In another patient, an onset of angina pectoris was a minor and transitory complication. In 42 out of the 100 patients, treatment was conservative so that hospitalization could be avoided. With newer technical equipment angiography can be performed safely on an outpatient basis with important costsaving for the community. The late occurrence of some complications though, requires good information of the patient.