Although there are a wide variety of noninvasive diagnostic tests, such as venous and arterial ultrasound imaging, that can be used to evaluate and diagnosis vascular conditions, some problems may require more invasive diagnostic techniques. At Northeast Ohio Vascular Associates (NEOVA) in Willoughby, Ohio, Dr. Vikram K. Rao, and the top-notch vascular team offer a full range of diagnostic testing procedures to patients in and around the Cleveland area.
Although the vast majority of vascular conditions are apparent at the time the patient is seen by the physician, patients will still undergo a comprehensive physical examination, including a detailed medical history and risk factor assessment. All of this is typically followed by noninvasive vascular diagnostic testing, painless procedures that include traditional vascular ultrasound Duplex and physiologic testing. These tests are used to determine the location, cause, and severity of vascular disease, specific damage to veins and carotid arteries, or the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
After the initial evaluation and noninvasive studies have been completed, an angiogram or arteriogram is performed to diagnose and treat the artery blockages. These interventional procedures are performed in a special X-ray room. After a small tube is placed in the artery, contrast media, or X-ray dye, is sent through the arteries to reveal detailed information about the blood vessels, and, in most cases, allows treatment to proceed.
An angiogram is an X-ray diagnostic procedure that’s used to evaluate blockages in the arterial system. The test, which can also be therapeutic, involves injecting a contrast agent (iodine dye) into your body before taking X-rays. The X-rays use the dye to detect blockages and provides information that can help determine your best treatment options.
Angiogram testing may last for several hours, or be as short as 15-20 minutes, depending on your condition. They’re typically performed while you’re under sedation.
Following your initial angiogram, the NEOVA vascular specialist will be able to use balloons to open the artery, and stents to hold it open.
A variety of other techniques to remove plaque and blood clots may be used in addition to the basic treatments, including:
In almost all cases, blood flow is successfully restored and the symptoms are resolved.
At Northeast Ohio Vascular Associates, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed here or if you have any questions.
