What the risks are:

There is some risk of the catheter damaging the artery or knocking loose a piece of the artery wall, which can reduce or block blood flow and lead to tissue death. This is a rare complication.

Other risks include:

• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
• Blood clot that travels to the lungs
• Damage to the blood vessel where 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
• Infection
• Injury to the nerves at the needle puncture site
• Kidney damage from the dye