Angiogram and Diagnostic Angiography

An angiogram or arteriogram is a study that assesses blood vessels, either arteries or veins for abnormalities such as narrowing or blockage. Arteriograms are the highest resolution and most accurate assessment currently available to evaluate blood vessels. Multiple abnormalities can be assessed, including narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels. These abnormalities can be caused by conditions like atherosclerosis and hardening of the arteries.

This exam is performed in a hosptial setting by one of our neurointerventional surgeons with specialized equipment and a team of highly skilled nurses and technologists. This study is performed under conscious sedation with medication to make patients sleepy and relaxed. After the skin is numbed, a small needle is used to guide a catheter through the skin into the blood vessel. The catheter is advanced through the blood vessels of the body to the area of concern, and contrast dye is injected. Images are obtained as the contrast passes through the vessels. The neurointerventional surgeon evaluates the images to determine the type and extent of any blockage or narrowing in the vessels. They can then determine if the abnormality is best treated by angioplasty / stenting, by medical or by conventional surgical endartectomy treatment. This decision is based on the appearance and location of the narrowing or blockage on the angiogram, and the patient's overall medical condition. If no treatment is indicated, the catheter is removed and pressure is applied at the skin entry site to stop any bleeding. Patients are most likely sent home the same day of their diagnostic angiogram, after being monitored for a few hours following the procedure.

Angiogram and Diagnostic Angiography

An angiogram or arteriogram is a study that assesses blood vessels, either arteries or veins for abnormalities such as narrowing or blockage. Arteriograms are the highest resolution and most accurate assessment currently available to evaluate blood vessels. Multiple abnormalities can be assessed, including narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels. These abnormalities can be caused by conditions like atherosclerosis and hardening of the arteries.

This exam is performed in a hosptial setting by one of our neurointerventional surgeons with specialized equipment and a team of highly skilled nurses and technologists. This study is performed under conscious sedation with medication to make patients sleepy and relaxed. After the skin is numbed, a small needle is used to guide a catheter through the skin into the blood vessel. The catheter is advanced through the blood vessels of the body to the area of concern, and contrast dye is injected. Images are obtained as the contrast passes through the vessels. The neurointerventional surgeon evaluates the images to determine the type and extent of any blockage or narrowing in the vessels. They can then determine if the abnormality is best treated by angioplasty / stenting, by medical or by conventional surgical endartectomy treatment. This decision is based on the appearance and location of the narrowing or blockage on the angiogram, and the patient's overall medical condition. If no treatment is indicated, the catheter is removed and pressure is applied at the skin entry site to stop any bleeding. Patients are most likely sent home the same day of their diagnostic angiogram, after being monitored for a few hours following the procedure.