Diagnostic Angiography Specialist

What is diagnostic angiography?

Diagnostic angiography is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a contrast dye and fluoroscopy X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to examine your blood vessels. Traditionally, angiography involves the use of a catheter to inject the contrast dye near the suspected abnormal blood vessels, which are then examined with an X-ray. 

Today, the team at RIA Neurovascular uses cutting edge diagnostic angiography techniques that use intravenous contrast dye and MRIs or CT scans to create detailed 3D models of the blood vessels in your brain. 

Why would I need diagnostic angiography?

The neurovascular radiology experts at RIA Neurovascular use diagnostic angiography to identify the cause and location of health conditions such as bleeding on the brain. They can also assess the damage caused by a concussion. 

The team also uses diagnostic angiography to locate blockages or aneurysms. Your neurovascular specialist may also recommend diagnostic angiography to identify intracranial or extracranial vessel stenosis and signs of a stroke. 

Diagnostic angiography provides information to treat acute conditions as well as creative preventive health programs to help you avoid a devastating neurovascular issue. 

What happens during diagnostic angiography?

Your experience during a diagnostic angiography depends on the technique your surgeon uses. 

During a traditional angiography, your surgeon provides a sedative to keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure. They insert a catheter through your femoral artery and feed it through your body until it reaches the area where you have a suspected blockage or problem. Then, your surgeon injects the contrast dye, which makes your blood vessels more visible on an X-ray. They examine your blood vessels to locate and diagnose the problem. 

If your doctor uses a more modern approach to diagnostic angiography, you may not need a sedative. In most cases, they use CT scans and intravenous contrast dye because this method provides the most rapid results. You will need to lie entirely still during your CT scan to ensure your doctor can create clear, accurate images. When the images are ready, your doctor examines them to diagnose your condition and create your treatment plan. 

Call RIA Neurovascular or make an appointment online today for expert neurovascular radiology services, including diagnostic angiography.