CT Angiogram

CT Angiogram

Computerized Tomographic Angiography–also called CT Angiography or CTA–uses sophisticated X-ray technology to obtain detailed images of blood vessels. It is a low-risk procedure that combines the high-tech imaging capabilities of CT with the use of an iodine-based contrast dye–as in traditional angiography–to make the veins and arteries more visible.

CT Angiography can assess:

  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Presence of embolism in the blood vessels of the arm
  • Damage to kidney vessels related to hypertension
  • Anatomical problems with the Circle of Willis, an arterial circle at the base of the brain
  • Stenosis (blood vessel narrowing) or aneurysms (blockages) throughout the body
  • Blood vessel function in patients who have had vascular surgery
  • Endovascular damage in trauma patients

State of the art technology

On our Bremerton campus, we offer a 32-slice CT scanner for high resolution imaging that enables physicians to clearly and quickly visualize vascular disease. All of our technologists have advanced training and certification through our professional affiliation with American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® to ensure the highest quality patient care.

Our care partner, Advanced Medical Imaging (AMI), offers the most advanced CT scanner on the Kitsap Peninsula. This scanner–installed in the Harlow Medical Building at Harrison Silverdale–can acquire 64 cross-sectional images, or “slices”, in less than half a second and convert them into three-dimensional color images.

In addition, AMI’s expanded office in Port Orchard offers 16-slice CT, which can simultaneously image internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels.

Both Harrison and AMI offer spiral, or helical, scans, which allow better visualization of the blood vessels. All of these scanners have received accreditation from the American College of Radiology.

Advantages

Compared to traditional angiography, CTA:

  • Is less invasive
  • Eliminates the need for a needle in the groin
  • Has a lower risk of complications
  • Avoids the need for an overnight hospital stay
  • Radiation exposure is also a risk

Risks and limitations

Certain conditions may preclude use of CT angiography. These include:

  • Pregnancy, because radiation may harm the fetus
  • Allergic reaction to the contract dye. If you have iodine or shellfish allergies, let your physician know.
  • Severe diabetes
  • Severe kidney problems
  • Unstable vital signs
  • Weight exceeding 300 pounds, because of weight limits on some X-ray tables

What to expect

  • You’ll be asked to drink plenty of water 24 to 48 hours before your scan, then discontinue all liquids four hours before the scan.
  • At the start of the exam, you will lie on a mobile bed outside the donut-shaped scanner. An IV tube will be placed in your hand or arm and hooked to a machine that controls the timing and rate of injection.
  • The bed will slide into the scanner, which is quiet and relatively open.
  • A contrast dye will be injected through an IV tube. You may feel flushed or warm as the dye is injected.
  • You will need to lie very still during the scan. The technician may ask you to hold your breath for 10 to 25 seconds at a time to prevent image blur.
  • The procedure usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Afterwards, you can resume normal activities but should drink plenty of fluids.