Carotid angiography
Find a heart specialistIf you doctor suspects you have blocked arteries in the large blood vessels in your neck, getting a carotid angiography can give them a clear picture of which treatment options might be best for you.
Here at Aurora Health Care, we’ll be with you every step of the way from diagnosis to recovery to help you get better.
What is carotid angiography?
Carotid angiography is a procedure we use to examine the large blood vessels in your neck that carry oxygen-rich blood to your brain. It also helps us to look for problems like aneurysms and blockages.
Doctors use carotid angiography to:
- Assess your stroke risk
- Diagnose aneurysms
- Find and open blocked arteries
- Perform other minimally invasive treatments, like angioplasty and stenting, to open a blocked carotid artery
Prior to the procedure, you'll see your doctor for personalized guidelines to prepare including:
- Refraining from eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your procedure
- How to get ready for your procedure including any medications you may need to stop taking
- Answering your questions and concerns
Carotid angiography usually takes about an hour. Your doctor may give you a mild sedative to help you relax, but you’ll still be awake.
Your doctor will insert a short, hollow plastic tube into a blood vessel in your leg, arm or groin, then guide the catheter using a special X-ray machine. You’ll have a small puncture mark, but no incision. Then your doctor will inject contrast dye into the catheter, which shows any spots where your arteries are narrow or blocked or where you may have an aneurysm.
Most often, you’ll go home the same day or possibly stay overnight in the hospital. When it’s time to go home, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
Your doctor will discuss your follow-up care and when you can return to work and other normal activities.
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