Angiography is an X-ray exam of the arteries and veins to diagnose blockages and other blood vessel problems. An interventional radiologist performs this X-ray procedure, which is also called an angiogram. One of the most common reasons for angiograms is to see if there is a blockage or narrowing in a blood vessel that may interfere with the normal flow of blood through the body. In many cases, the interventional radiologist can treat a blocked blood vessel without surgery at the same time the angiogram is performed.
Interventional radiologists treat blockages with techniques called angioplasty and thrombolysis .
Angiograms are sometimes used by surgeons to plan an operation or choose the best surgical procedure.