Cerebral Angiograms / Carotid Angiograms

Angiograms are obtained using a catheter (a small plastic tube), contrast material (slightly radioactive dye), and x-ray imaging. Angiograms can be used to image the brain or the arteries in the neck (the carotid arteries). By using the catheter, treatment can also be administered at the time of diagnosis if abnormalities are found. Aneurysms and plaque are common problems found within the blood vessels.

When examining the brain with a cerebral angiogram, the imaging of the blood vessels is very detailed and clear. The catheter is inserted into the arm or the leg through a small incision. An x-ray machine is used to guide the catheter to the area to be examined. Contrast material is injected through the catheter before x-rays are taken of the brain.

A cerebral angiogram may also be done using electronic images instead of x-rays. This is called intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IADSA). Digital images allow the skull to be removed from the images to reveal the blood vessels more clearly.

Carotid angiograms are performed when looking for a blockage. If a blockage is discovered, an angioplasty may be performed by inflating a small balloon to open up the artery and place a stent to keep the artery open.

The professionals at Stanislaus Cardiology use cerebral and carotid angiograms to look for blockages, aneurysms, and other arterial problems.