Some of the more common risks associated with undergoing an angiogram/angioplasty are listed below. These do vary between individuals and according to the type, extent and location of disease being treated. Each patient will have their individualised treatment plan explained in detail, including a full explanation of the risks associated with that treatment. Although the risks appear daunting, angioplasty is normally a safe procedure performed successfully with very few complications. Bruising: an angiogram is an invasive procedure that involves puncturing an artery with a needle and passing wires and catheters through that arterial puncture site. Thus, there will normally be a bruise at the site of the needle insertion which may persist for 2-3 weeks. Occasionally this can be quite extensive, as blood thinning medication may have been necessary during your angioplasty. The bruising could even extend into your genitalia and thigh. False aneurysm: Occasionally a bruise continues to be fed by a tiny jet of blood from the artery puncture creating an expanding bruise (false aneurysm). This may require treatment either in the form of an injection into the bruise or, if very large, an open surgical procedure to repair the artery itself. Embolisation: Sometimes during an angioplasty debris or newly formed clot at the site of the treated artery can break off and travel downstream (embolism) and lodge in the arteries of your calf or foot. These can often be retrieved at the time of occurrence, but on the very rare occasions they cannot and are also causing a significant reduction in the blood flow to the foot emergency surgery is required. Kidney injury: The contrast media used to visualise the artery on the X-ray machine is excreted through the kidneys. Patients with underlying kidney disease may suffer a further deterioration in their kidney function as a result of the contrast injuring the kidney filtration system. This is temporary in the vast majority of cases, but can occasionally cause permanent damage to the kidneys leading to the requirement for dialysis. Prior to your angiogram your kidney function will be assessed to guide your requirement for prophylactic therapy to help prevent this complication. Allergic reaction: Some people can have an allergy to the contrast media or other materials used during these procedures which has not been previously identified. On rare occasions an anaphylactic reaction can occur requiring emergency treatment. Arterial injury: undertaking an angioplasty involves inflating a high-pressure balloon within a narrowed artery. On rare occasions this causes rupture of the artery and bleeding. We can often treat this complication with the placement of stent-graft (covered stent) across the bleeding point. However, on occasion an emergency operation is required to gain control of and repair the damaged artery. Pain/discomfort: An angiogram/angioplasty is an invasive procedure and despite all the efforts made by our operators to reduce the amount of discomfort experienced, some patients will experience a degree of discomfort during their procedure. If the procedure does become uncomfortable then your team will arrange for you to have painkillers. If the procedure becomes too uncomfortable we will stop and arrange for you to have a further meeting with your supervising consultant to discuss alternative treatment options. Miscellaneous: Often during the injection of contrast into your artery you have a sensation of passing urine; this is entirely normal and is relieved very quickly.