Angiograms
Angiogram Procedure
Angiograms In Somerset, KY
Angiograms are an essential diagnostic tool for evaluating the condition of blood vessels in the body. It's a minimally invasive procedure that provides detailed images of blood vessels to diagnose and treat various conditions. Southern Kentucky Vascular in Somerset, KY, is a clinic of highly skilled vascular specialists and surgeons who are experienced in performing angiograms with precision and accuracy.
What are Angiograms?
Angiograms are medical imaging procedures used to examine blood vessels in the body. The procedure involves the use of a contrast dye and X-rays to create detailed images of blood vessels as they flow throughout the body.
During the angiogram procedure, after a local anesthetic is applied, a small catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and the contrast dye is injected into the bloodstream. The dye makes the blood vessels visible on X-rays, allowing the vascular specialist to assess the condition of the blood vessels and diagnose any abnormalities, such as blockages or aneurysms.
Reasons Your Doctor Might Recommend an Angiogram
If you're experiencing certain symptoms, your doctor might suggest an angiogram to get a clearer picture of what's going on inside your arteries. This procedure helps us identify blockages or narrowings that could be affecting your blood flow.
Here are some common reasons an angiogram may be recommended:
Leg Pain While Walking (Claudication)
Do you feel cramping, aching, or fatigue in your legs, especially when you walk or exercise, and does it go away when you rest? This could be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD), where arteries in your legs are narrowed, reducing blood flow. An angiogram can pinpoint the exact location and severity of these blockages.
Difficulty Walking or Exercising
If you're finding it increasingly difficult to walk even short distances, or if everyday activities that used to be easy are now a struggle due to leg discomfort, an angiogram can help determine if poor circulation is the cause.
Non-Healing Ulcers or Wounds
Ulcers or sores on your feet, ankles, or legs that are slow to heal or don't heal at all can be a serious indicator of inadequate blood supply. Good blood flow is essential for wound healing, and an angiogram can identify if blockages are preventing your body from repairing these tissues.
Numbness or Tingling in Your Legs or Feet
Persistent numbness, tingling, or a cold sensation in your lower extremities can signal reduced blood flow to these areas. An angiogram can help us see if arterial blockages are the reason for these sensations.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to discuss them with your doctor. An angiogram is a valuable tool that can help us diagnose vascular issues and guide the best treatment plan for you.
Benefits of Angiogram Procedures
The primary benefit of an angiogram lies in its ability to provide detailed and highly accurate information about the condition of your blood vessels. This precise view of your arteries allows our vascular specialists to identify blockages, narrowings, or other abnormalities with exceptional clarity. This detailed information is absolutely crucial in determining the most appropriate and effective treatment plan tailored specifically to your condition.
Furthermore, angiograms are a minimally invasive procedure. This means they typically involve only a small incision, often in the groin or arm, and are usually performed under local anesthesia, rather than general anesthesia. This reduces recovery time and discomfort compared to more extensive surgical procedures.
Beyond diagnosis, angiograms are frequently used to guide treatment procedures directly. For instance, during an angioplasty, a small balloon is carefully inserted into the blocked artery and then inflated to widen the narrowed vessel. In many cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) is then inserted to help keep the artery open. The real-time imaging provided by an angiogram allows our vascular specialists to guide these delicate procedures with precision and accuracy, ensuring the best possible outcome for you.
Sometimes, in addition to or instead of angioplasty and stenting, we may utilize an atherectomy device to de-bulk plaque from the artery walls. This specialized tool can effectively remove blockages, further improving blood flow. The angiogram is instrumental in guiding the precise placement and operation of such devices, ensuring that the treatment is delivered exactly where it's needed.
What to Expect Post Procedure
After an angiogram procedure, patients will be taken to a recovery area where they will be monitored closely with ultrasound surveilance for one hour after the procedure. It is common to feel some discomfort, tiredness, or bruising at the site of the catheter insertion. It is important to follow any post-procedure instructions given by our vascular specialists to ensure proper healing and avoid any complications.
In rare cases, patients may experience more serious side effects such as bleeding or blood clots and should contact us at Southern Kentucky Vascular immediately if they experience any concerning symptoms.
Choose Southern Kentucky Vascular
Our vascular surgeon at Southern Kentucky Vascular, Dr. Don Brown, is experienced in performing angiograms with precision and accuracy. We use the latest technology to ensure that our patients receive the most advanced care available. Angiograms are a valuable tool for evaluating the condition of blood vessels in the body. They provide accurate and detailed information that is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment for a patient's condition. If you need an angiogram procedure, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced vascular specialists.
What our Patients are saying
AMAZING
"This team is amazing! Dr. Brown has made such a huge difference in my life. I had a angiogram on both of my legs. Had a stent in one and cleaned arteries out in the other one. I could tell a difference the next day. Very thorough and attentive to my needs."
~ Becky D.
FIVE STARS
"Five Stars!"
~ Carolyn I.
Living life to the fullest
"...I want to thank Dr. Don Brown for saving my life.... I'm also walking driving and living life to the fullest all because of you. Thank you again!!!!
~ George W.