Which piece of equipment is commonly used during renal artery angiography?

The use of a pigtail catheter in renal artery angiography is primarily due to its appropriate design for such vascular procedures. A pigtail catheter is characterized by its unique shape, which allows for efficient navigation and engagement in the arterial system. When conducting renal artery angiography, this catheter facilitates the delivery of contrast media directly into the renal artery, helping to visualize the anatomy and any pathological conditions such as stenosis or occlusion.

The pigtail catheter’s ability to create a stable position within the vessel is essential for acquiring high-quality imaging. This design minimizes the risk of dislodgment during the procedure while also allowing for multiple injections of contrast if needed.

Other options such as a thermometer, endoscope, or ultrasound probe have specific roles in medical diagnostics and interventions but do not align with the requirements of renal artery angiography. A thermometer measures temperature and does not pertain to imaging. An endoscope is used for direct visualization of internal structures but is not used in vascular studies. Lastly, while ultrasound probes are used for imaging soft tissues and blood flow, they do not provide the specific kind of visualization needed for angiography, which relies on contrast agents and fluoroscopic imaging techniques.