When it comes to diagnosing vascular conditions, precision and accuracy are key. At Vascular Surgery Associates (VSA), we rely on the most advanced diagnostic tools to understand the exact nature of your vascular health concerns. One of the most valuable of these is catheter-based angiography—a minimally invasive imaging procedure that allows our specialists to see inside your blood vessels in remarkable detail.
With offices in both Santa Monica and Los Angeles, VSA has been a trusted name in vascular care since 1963. Our surgeons combine decades of clinical expertise with state-of-the-art techniques to deliver the highest quality care in Southern California.
What Is Catheter-Based Angiography?
A catheter-based angiography (also known as a conventional or digital subtraction angiography) is an imaging procedure that uses X-rays and contrast dye to visualize the inside of your arteries and veins. Unlike noninvasive scans, this method allows your vascular surgeon to assess the exact location, severity, and cause of a blockage or narrowing in real time.
By using a thin, flexible catheter inserted into a blood vessel, the doctor can obtain detailed images that help guide diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan for conditions such as:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Aneurysms
- Carotid artery disease
- Renal artery stenosis
- Venous insufficiency or thrombosis
Because of its precision, catheter-based angiography is often considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing complex vascular conditions.
When Is a Catheter-Based Angiography Recommended?
Your vascular specialist may recommend this procedure when other imaging studies—such as ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography—don’t provide enough detail.
It’s commonly ordered when:
- There are symptoms of reduced blood flow, such as leg pain, numbness, or wounds that won’t heal.
- You’re being evaluated for minimally invasive vascular surgery or stent placement.
- A prior imaging test suggests an aneurysm or arterial narrowing.
- Your physician needs a precise vascular map before surgery or intervention.
The information gathered during angiography often helps determine whether medical management, endovascular treatment, or surgical repair is the best course of action.
What to Expect During the Procedure
At Vascular Surgery Associates, our goal is to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect if your doctor recommends a catheter-based angiography:
Preparation
Before the procedure, your physician will review your medical history, allergies, and medications. You’ll receive instructions on fasting and may need to pause certain prescriptions, such as blood thinners.
During the Procedure
You’ll lie on an X-ray table in a sterile procedure room.
- A local anesthetic is used to numb the insertion site, typically in the groin or wrist.
- A thin catheter is gently inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the area being examined.
- A contrast dye is injected, allowing the surgeon to view the blood vessels on a live X-ray screen.
Most patients report only mild pressure or warmth when the dye is administered. The procedure typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on complexity.
After the Procedure
You’ll be monitored for a few hours as the insertion site heals. Most patients return home the same day, though some may stay overnight if further treatment is anticipated. Your doctor will review the angiography results and discuss the next steps, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or minimally invasive intervention.
Benefits of Catheter-Based Angiography
This advanced diagnostic technique offers several advantages:
- High-Resolution Images: Provides the most detailed view of vascular anatomy.
- Precision Diagnosis: Identifies even small blockages or vessel irregularities.
- Real-Time Guidance: Allows immediate transition to a therapeutic procedure if necessary (such as angioplasty or stent placement).
- Minimally Invasive: Requires only a small puncture site, minimizing recovery time and discomfort.
Why Choose Vascular Surgery Associates
Since 1963, Vascular Surgery Associates (VSA) has been at the forefront of vascular innovation. Our team of board-certified vascular surgeons brings together decades of collective expertise and a shared commitment to patient-centered care.
We serve patients from Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and across Southern California, offering comprehensive evaluation and treatment for all forms of vascular disease. Whether you need diagnostic testing, minimally invasive treatment, or surgical intervention, our specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.
When you trust your care to VSA, you’re choosing a team dedicated to clinical excellence, compassionate care, and lasting outcomes.
Schedule Your Consultation
If your physician has recommended a catheter-based angiography, trust the experts at Vascular Surgery Associates to provide accurate diagnosis and advanced vascular care. Contact our Santa Monica or Los Angeles offices today to schedule your consultation and learn more about your options.
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