What the risks are:

Complications may include:

• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
• Blood clot that travels to the lungs
• Damage to the blood vessel as the needle and catheter are inserted
• Excessive bleeding or a blood clot where the catheter is inserted, which can reduce blood flow to the leg
• Heart attack or stroke
• Hematoma -- a collection of blood at the site of the needle puncture
• Injury to the nerves at the needle puncture site
• Kidney damage from the dye

There is low-level radiation exposure. However, most experts feel that the risk of most x-rays is smaller than other risks we take every day. Pregnant women and children are more sensitive to the risks of the x-ray.