Angiography with carbon dioxide (CO2)

Use of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a contrast agent for peripheral vascular arteriography offers several advantages over standard iodinated contrast. CO2 is nonallergic, lacks renal toxicity, and is inexpensive. Development of digital subtraction angiography and stacking software have improved the duality of images obtained during CO2 arteriography. Recent studies have shown CO2 to be as accurate as iodinated contrast agents for imaging of the lower-extremity arterial system in most patients. Understanding of gaseous CO2's unique physical properties (buoyancy, compressibility low viscosity) are necessary for safe, controlled delivery during diagnostic and therapeutic angiographic procedures.