Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about CT Angiography Q: What is CT Angiography? Q: What happens during the procedure? Q: What is a contrast media? Q: How long will the exam take? Q: When will I know the results? What is CT Angiography? Computerized Tomography Angiography (CT Angiography or CTA) is a specialized form of CT scan that is designed to provide information on blood vessel performance without the need for an invasive procedure or hospital stay. After the patient is given a contrast medium that makes the blood vessels stand out, the CT scanner takes thousands of x-ray images of the selected area in only a few short minutes. These images are assembled by computer into a three-dimensional picture that our radiologists and your physician can examine and interpret. of the area being studied. CTA is commonly used to screen patients for arterial disease, aneurysms, thrombosis and other malformations of the blood vessels. It is also used to detect narrowing or obstruction of arteries in the kidneys, brain and other organs, and to map the structure of blood vessels that feed tumors. What happens during the procedure? Prior to the start of your CTA exam the technologist will explain the procedure to you. This is done for two reasons: to put your mind at ease and to ask for your cooperation. Just follow his or her instructions for a relaxed examination that achieves the desired results. First, you will be set up with an IV to introduce a dose of contrast material to help produce a clear image of your blood vessels. The technologist will position you on the imaging table. It’s important that you remain still, because even the slightest movement during the exam can blur the image and result in the need for repeated scans. The part of your body to be examined will be moved into the opening of the CT scanner, which is a small, air-conditioned chamber. The technologist will have you in full view at all times and you will be in constant communication via two-way microphones. During this brief time, you will hear the humming of the equipment as it produces the images. You may also feel slight movement of the table as it prepares for the next scan. Once the images have been recorded you are free to go. Some patients may experience very brief, mild discomfort during insertion of the IV, but the CTA exam itself is completely painless. What is a contrast media? You may be given a contrast medium to highlight a particular part of your body. The contrast medium outlines less dense, hollow vessels and organs for visualizations. This medium is harmless and is eliminated within a few hours or days, depending on the area under examination and the type of contrast medium utilized. It is normal to feel a warm sensation as the dye makes its way through your body. How long will the exam take? Because Sitron-Hammel uses a multi-slice CT scanner — the newest and most advanced technology — your exam is considerably faster than conventional CT systems, usually taking only 10 to 25 minutes. This allows for preparation as well as time for the computer to generate the image. The actual time of x-ray exposure is minimal and can vary significantly depending on the nature of the study and other factors. When will I know the results? Your radiologist will study the results of your exam and discuss them with your referring doctor who will then consult with you.
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