Advantages | Disadvantages |
Availability Accuracy - Able to determine embolic or thrombotic aetiology Immediate treatment Carbon dioxide can be used if contrast is contraindicated. | Invasive Radiation exposure: - Repeated catheter angiography - Post-procedure recovery Needs Interventional radiologist present on site Prolongation of hospital stay: - Increase hospital costs - Increase morbidity and mortality Complications: - Rare fatal reaction to iodinated contrast material - Contrast-induced nephropathy - Bleeding from puncture site/pseudoaneurysm Contraindicated in patients with eGFR less than 45 mL/min Imaging limitations: - Poor evaluation of outflow vessels - Limited visualisation of pedal vessels and vessels beyond significant obstructive lesions |