СT-ANGIOGRAPHY

Computed tomographic angiography is a method of detailed examination of blood vessels with the help of a computed tomographic scanner, which provides assessing of blood flow intensity and blood supply to the examined organs. The 64-slice Siemens Somatom computed tomographic scanner, used in the «Oxford Medical» clinic in Kiev, makes it possible to examine the vessels of the head, neck, limbs, as well as the aorta and pulmonary arteries.

INDICATIONS FOR CT-ANGIOGRAPHY

Computed tomographic angiography helps to diagnose:

• aneurysms;
• narrowing (stenosis) or overlapping (obstruction) of the lumen of the vessels;
• thrombosis (pulmonary embolism, legs deep vein thrombosis, etc.);
• vascular abnormalities. 

PREPARATION FOR CT ANGIOGRAPHY

CT angiography is always performed with the introduction of a contrast agent – a special medicine that is injected into the vein and makes the vascular pattern in the images more distinct. The contrast agent often contains iodine, so if you are allergic to it or to seafood, you need to notify your doctor about this – if it is possible, another agent is selected for this patient.

The doctor should be also notified if kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes takes place. In these cases the patient may need additional prep procedures, such as tests, glucose measurement, pressure measurement or ECG. If the patient has severe heart or kidney failure – this may be a contraindication to computed tomographic angiography.

Approximately 4-5 hours before the examination the patient should stop eating and drinking fluids. Immediately before the angiography the patient must remove all metal jewelry, accessories and devices from the body. 

HOW CT ANGIOGRAPHY IS PERFORMED

The patient is placed on the slide-out table of the tomographic scanner in the position face up. Then the doctor inserts a catheter into the patient’s vein to supply a contrast agent. The administration of the agent is carried out by a special injector, which eliminates the entry of insufficient or excessive amount of the agent into the bloodstream. When contrast is introduced, a short-term sensation of heat spreading through the body may appear, and a salty or metallic taste may appear in the mouth – this is how the body perceives the introduction of contrast.

After that the doctor moves to an adjacent room, from where he controls the progress of the study through monitors and a special window for keeping an eye on the patient. Communication with the doctor is constantly maintained through a two-way intercom device, which is built in the CT machine.

The table slides into the scanner tunnel and the examination begins. The patient does not experience any unpleasant sensations during the procedure. All that is required during CT angiography is to be in a stationary position, because any movement worsens the quality of the images obtained. In some cases the doctor asks the patient to hold the breath for a few seconds.

After the procedure the diagnostician forms a medical report, which is issued to the patient along with a film on which the results of the examination are recorded. After CT angiography the patient is recommended to drink more liquid – this contributes to the rapid removal of contrast from the body.

You can make an appointment for CT angiography at the «Oxford Medical» clinic in Kiev by calling us or writing to the chat operator on the website.