An arterial biopsy is a medical procedure used to obtain a small sample of tissue from an artery. This is often done to diagnose conditions such as vasculitis or other inflammatory diseases affecting blood vessels. The procedure typically involves local anesthesia and a small incision to access the artery, usually in the arm or leg. After the sample is collected, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results can help doctors determine the presence of disease and guide treatment options. This procedure is generally safe, but like any medical intervention, it carries some risks, including bleeding or infection.