What is a Cerebral Angiogram?
A cerebral angiogram is a test that uses dye in the blood stream and X-ray images to show abnormalities of the blood vessels in and around the brain. Some abnormal findings include narrowing, blockage from plaque or blood clots, or malformations like aneurysms. A cerebral angiogram is the most accurate test for blood vessel abnormalities and is performed before any interventional surgery is planned.
How is an Angiogram done?
A catheter tube is inserted in an artery in the groin. A special dye is injected into the blood vessels leading to your brain and X-rays are taken to show the blood vessels. The test is not painful. You will be given medicine to help relieve anxiety and to keep you comfortable while the x-rays are being taken; it takes about half an hour to one hour to finish the procedure. You will require close observation by the nurse in the hospital for two to six hours after your procedure. Your family or friend can visit during this time. You will be admitted for a day for Cerebral Angiography.
Are there any possible complications of Cerebral Angiograms?
Cerebral Angiogram is a very safe procedure that has been used since the 1930’s. There is very little risk involved when performed by an experienced physician. Nevertheless, unforeseeable complications include, but are not limited to, stroke, infection or allergic reaction to dye.
Treatment of Brain Lesion: Angioplasty
What is cerebral angioplasty?
Angioplasty is a procedure that requires an angiogram to be done first. Abnormally narrow areas of the blood vessels are gently pushed open using a small, soft balloon at the end of the angiogram catheter. If needed, a stent (metal mesh cylinder) may be used to keep the expanded area open.
How is cerebral angioplasty done?
After a diagnostic angiography, any narrowing, or blockage from plaque or blood clots in the blood vessels of the brain can then be measured using X-ray images and specialized computer software. The procedure is not painful. You will be given medicine to help relieve anxiety and to keep you comfortable. In some cases, it is necessary to use general anesthesia to prevent even slight movement during the angioplasty procedure. The procedure takes two hours or more to complete, this really depends upon how tortuous, or curvy your blood vessels are. You will require close observation by the nurses in the neuro intensive care unit for 24 hours after your procedure. Standard hospitalization is for 3-4 days.
Are there any possible complications of Cerebral Angioplasty?
Uncommon (less than 2%) complications include, but are not limited to, stroke, bleeding or infection, and allergic reaction to dye.
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
What are Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)?
Abnormal groups of tangled blood vessels known as AVMs can occur in the brain or the spine. A neurointerventionalistis able to navigate through the arteries of the brain and spinal cord to inject a fluid, which blocks the cluster nidus of the AVM.