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Angiography is used to find problems or blockages in the arteries.
A catheter is inserted through a small incision in the groin area.
A physician guides the catheter to the area where the blockage is
suspected. Next, dye is injected into the arteries while X-ray images
are taken. The dye highlights the arteries, allowing the physician
to accurately pinpoint the blockage.
You will be asked to lie flat for six hours after angiography.
If there is no bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site,
you will be allowed to go home. You will probably be asked to return
for angioplasty to repair the blockage. This is a process that involves
surgically implanting a balloon or stent to re-open the blocked artery.
Biplane Angiography Suite
The Heart & Vascular Institute at Memorial University Medical Center has a biplane angiography suite.
This unique facility enables physicians to get a 3D angiography image of the brain.
If a person is brought to our Emergency Department with stroke symptoms, physicians can perform a biplane angiogram
and see if an ischemic stroke is occurring.
They then take quick action to stop the stroke before massive damage or death occurs.
Carotid Angiography and Angioplasty
If you are at risk for carotid artery disease or stroke, your physician may recommend a test called an angiogram.
A special dye is injected into your carotid vessels to make them show up well on an X-ray.
Doctors can then look at the X-ray and determine what, if any, action needs to be taken.
If the angiogram shows that the carotid arteries on either side of your neck are narrow or blocked due to plaque build-up,
your physician may suggest angioplasty to treat the problem. With this procedure, a catheter is used to create a
bigger opening in the vessel to increase blood flow.
There are different types of angioplasty procedures.
You and your physician will determine which type is best for you.
Cerebral Angiography and Angioplasty
If you are at risk for stroke, your physician may recommend a test called an angiogram.
A special dye is injected into your cerebral vessels to make them show up well on an X-ray.
Doctors can then look at the X-ray and determine what, if any, action needs to be taken.
If the angiogram shows that the vessels that carry blood through your brain are narrow
or blocked due to plaque build-up, your physician may suggest angioplasty to treat the problem.
With this procedure, a catheter is used to create a bigger opening in the vessel to increase blood flow.
There are different types of angioplasty procedures.
You and your physician will determine which type is best for you.
Peripheral Angiography and Angioplasty
If your physician suspects that vessels in any part of your body may be blocked due to plaque build-up,
he or she may recommend a test called an angiogram.
A special dye is injected into your vessels to make them show up well on an X-ray.
Doctors can then look at the X-ray and determine what, if any, action needs to be taken.
If the angiogram shows that there is blockage in your legs or any other part of your body,
your physician may suggest angioplasty to treat the problem.
With this procedure, a catheter is used to create a bigger opening in the vessel to increase blood flow.
There are different types of angioplasty procedures.
You and your physician will determine which type is best for you.
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