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    123bodyscan
    15/Sep/2025
    CT Angiogram0

    How Serious is an Angiogram of the Brain?ffgg

    Your brain is the supreme command station, coordinating everything from your morning coffee routine to complex problem-solving at work. When medical practitioners propose that patients and their families should get a brain angiogram, it is common to find that there is a sense of curiosity and fear.  When most people hear the term ” brain procedure, the first thought that comes to mind is worst case, but the current angiography is a well-established tool that can give valuable information about the health of the brain.

    As a professional radiographer, I will use this blog to provide clear facts about brain angiograms, covering their purpose, safety profile, and recovery expectations, so you can make an informed decision and approach your healthcare with confidence, not fear.

    What is the severity of a brain angiogram procedure?

    A brain angiogram is not a high-risk procedure but a standard diagnostic procedure. Specialists monitor it since it is an invasive procedure. The process entails the placement of a small catheter in a blood vessel. Then the catheter is passed to the arteries of the brain with the injection of contrast dye to produce a detailed image. Although this is complicated to hear, the brain angiograms with modern methods and sophisticated imaging technology have become highly specific and controlled. 

    Most patients are shocked to learn that cerebral angiograms are part of other specialised imaging services, such as CT scans. The trick lies in the possession of trained medical experts who know the vascular anatomy and operate the latest equipment to achieve the best results with minimal possible complications.

    Why should I have a cerebral angiogram?

    Cerebral angiograms are diagnostic in nature only in some cases. On other occasions, they enable medical practitioners to treat some ailments.

    There are various purposes for which providers use cerebral angiograms. One of them is to identify or rule out blood vessel disease in your brain, such as:

    • Brain aneurysm.
    • Atherosclerosis.
    • Arteriovenous malformation.
    • Dural venous fistula.
    • Vasculitis.
    • Tearing of the inner part of an artery (when it tears).
    • Stroke (blood clot).

    Other uses include:

    • Head or neck: To measure your arteries in your head and neck before brain surgery or other medication.
    • To understand the relationship between blood vessels and a brain tumour, specifically how the blood vessels supply the tumour.
    • To communicate with the abnormalities providers about other imaging tests, such as a CT scan.

    What are the risks of having a cerebral angiogram?

    Like any medical procedure which requires contrast agents and the insertion of catheters, brain angiographs do have certain risks, which I always explain to patients in detail. 

    • Minor bleeding (or bruising at the site of catheter insertion) is the most frequent and happens in about 2-3% of cases; it usually fades rapidly with adequate treatment.
    • More severe and less common complications include allergy to contrast dye, damage to blood vessels, and short-term changes in kidney activity. 
    • Stroke is an extremely low risk – less than 1 out of 100 – but the most worrisome potential complication in connection with a cerebral angiogram. 
    • Blood clot, infection, or spasm of arteries may also occur, but are uncommon when correct technique and sterile conditions are used.

    Through ViaScan, which provides complete imaging services such as whole body scans and specialised vascular studies, the presence of teams ensures that these risks are minimised by patients selectively chosen and procedural techniques carefully selected.

    Does a brain angiography hurt or harm?

    The level of comfort that patients experience when undergoing brain angiograms is actually pleasant to the majority of patients. I clarify that local anaesthesia does not cause pain where the catheter is inserted, and light sedation helps the patients relax during the procedure. Most of the pain occurs when one lies down in a prolonged position, rather than from the pain of the angiogram itself.

    Patients do not experience a lot of sensation during the insertion and steering of the catheter, as blood vessels do not carry any pain receptors. Others feel a warmth when contrast dye is injected, which I term as being more like a quick passing flush or a warm wave.  Cerebral angiograms are surprisingly well-tolerated, since the brain tissue itself is not able to sense the catheter.

    Cerebral angiograms are not so scary when done at a certified imaging centre with qualified personnel, such as ViaScan, who also do other tests such as lung scans, heart scans and other diagnostics.

    What is the duration of brain angiogram recovery?

    A brain angiogram recovery is normally quick and easy, unlike patients who are initially surprised to hear of the procedure. Many individuals can feel normal within 24-48 hours. However, the initial day should be taken easy, to ensure proper healing at the point of catheter insertion.

    Patients are required to spend 4-6 hours in a straight position immediately after the procedure to avoid bleeding at the catheter site of entry into the artery. Medical staff members examine the critical rates and the place of insertion during this time span of monitoring. Many of the patients can eat, drink and use bathroom facilities normally, but heavy lifting and intense activity should be avoided for approximately a week.

    Is a brain angiogram stroke-causing?

     Whereas stroke is a complication that may result from brain angiograms, the risk is extraordinarily low, less than 1 per operation. The latest catheter styles, better contrast agents, and real-time imaging guidance have significantly decreased this risk, which is already low.

    Stroke occurs when thrombosis develops around the catheter or when fragments of plaque break off the walls of arteries during cerebral angiograms. Nonetheless, mature interventional radiologists resort to blood-thinning drugs and careful methods to avoid the development of clots, whereas innovative imaging facilitates the detection and avoidance of problem areas.

    Where can I get my brain angiogram?

    It is important to understand that the facility where you undergo your cerebral angiogram is the most critical factor in ensuring your safety and peace of mind. ViaScan’s experienced team of imaging professionals is trained in advanced diagnostic procedures, providing the latest and most compassionate patient care to achieve the best results in the brain angiograms we perform.

    The difference with ViaScan is that we provide a total solution to diagnostic imaging. In addition to cerebral angiograms, we offer a comprehensive range of imaging services, including whole body scanning, preventative scanning, specialised CT scanning, lung scanning, heart scanning, and bone density testing. This depth of knowledge enables our radiologists and technologists to understand how brain angiogram results correlate with general health, providing additional diagnostic information.

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    Conclusion

    Nevertheless, knowing the facts concerning brain angiograms, you can be much less concerned about the significance of this medical test. Although none of the medical tests are fully safe, a cerebral angiogram is secure and is a common practice performed by qualified doctors using advanced technology.The key factor to keep in mind is that brain angiograms aid in the identification of severe brain issues that may be life-threatening had they not been attended to. The test-related minor risks are typically far less than the risk of being unaware of what is amiss with the blood vessels in your brain.
    This small inconvenience is worth it for the health of your brain. A brain angiogram, with proper preparation and proper medical attention, can provide you and your family with the right information on the health status of your brain and the future peace of mind.

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    How-much-does-a-CT-Coronary-Angiogram-Cost-1.jpg
    123bodyscan
    27/Mar/2025
    CT Angiogram0

    How much does a CT Coronary Angiogram Cost?ffgg

    In the complexity surrounding medical diagnostics, knowing the money constraints associated with advanced imaging techniques is essential to patients making certain medical decisions. CT coronary angiogram is a leading diagnostic modality that provides insight into heart health imiquimod five creams. It is a noninvasive means of assessing coronary arteries and detecting healthy cardiovascular problems. Nevertheless, the intricacy of this medical procedure can be a daunting obstacle for many people who want to know their heart health as they judge the expense.

    What Factors Influence the Cost of a CT Angiogram?

    The pricing of a CT angiogram is a multi-variable equation consisting of many factors. First, geographic location is seen as the primary determinant, with metropolitan healthcare areas charging much more than rural healthcare facilities. And like anything in the private market, there are urban medical centers in states such as California and New York that will charge premium prices. At the same time, some are only less costly in the Midwest and southern regions. The final price tag is dependent on hospital infrastructure, technological capabilities, and institutional overhead costs.

    Usually the CT scan may cost from $300 to $1000 but cost variation is subject to a large degree of technical complexity. However, to perform a comprehensive CT angiogram, advanced imaging equipment and a high level of radiological expertise coupled with sophisticated diagnostic protocols are required. Because high-end CT scanners can deliver detailed, multiple-slice images, such scanners are expensive investments for medical facilities that also, in the end, pass the cost on to patients. Furthermore, the interpreting radiologist and the interpreting cardiologist play a part in the overall dollar amount, as more renowned specialists generally charge higher professional fees.

    How Do Insurance Coverage and Out-of-Pocket Expenses Interact?

    As a result, a financial landscape of CT coronary angiograms is formed due to Insurance dynamics. Private insurance plans vary greatly in their coverage approach: some offer extremely extensive imaging benefits while others restrict them significantly. Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement structures are their peculiar mix of nuanced upside-down reimbursement structures that cover a percentage of the procedure according to medical necessity and specific diagnostic indications.

    Copayments can be minimal or several thousand dollars out of pocket. For patients on high-deductible health plans, the entire procedure cost may come out of their pockets until they reach their annual deductible. Network participation, pre-authorization requirements, and specific diagnostic codes are all factors that impact the final patient expenses. Some healthcare providers provide financial counseling or a payment plan to cover the financial cost of advanced diagnostic imaging.

    How much will a CT Coronary Angiogram Cost on Average?

    CT coronary angiograms can have a wide range of potential costs on a national scale. According to comprehensive market research, patients may face paying $300 to $1000 of dollars in fees or even less, depending on several variables. The cost of the study in urban medical centers and cardiologic imaging facilities is generally higher because of their specialization. On the other hand, outpatient imaging centers and hospital-related clinics may provide more competitive price structures.

    Dedic et al. (2016) studied the cost-effectiveness of CT coronary angiography, a new treatment for saving lives. The research was published in the European Heart Journal: It showed that early, correct cardiovascular disease may lead to long-term savings for the medical team, involving investment now versus later for later diagnosis of heart problems.

    How can Patients Reduce the Cost of a CT Angiogram?

    There are strategic approaches that patients can take to minimize the CT coronary angiogram cost control. Making price comparisons across different medical facilities is the first major cost mitigation strategy. Patients can obtain specific price quotes, compare price quotes from other imaging centers, and research other imaging centers. Specifically, some facilities will provide substantial discounts for self-pay patients or can structure their payments in such a way that they can lessen their financial burdens markedly.
    Healthcare transparency initiatives and online comparison tools are valuable resources for cost-conscious patients. Increasingly, many medical centers present initial price information upfront, which permits persons to determine in advance the cost of their diagnostic procedures. 

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    Conclusion 

    However, CT coronary angiogram costs are very complex healthcare economic issues to understand. ViaScan stands out as a unique option for truly comprehensive cardiovascular screening for those who want top-of-the-line diagnosis using the best arterial ultrasound technology and transparent pricing.
    In the end, preventative cardiac imaging is an investment in your health that can offer sufficient insights into the heart’s state to prevent more costly medical interventions later. The best way to balance out both health and financial issues is to consult health professionals and try out various diagnostic options.

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    Cardiac-CT-Scan-vs-Angiogram-Whats-The-Difference.jpg
    123bodyscan
    03/Mar/2025
    CT AngiogramHeart Scan0

    Cardiac CT Scan vs Angiogram: What’s The Differenceffgg

    Medical imaging helps to diagnose the conditions of the heart before those conditions become serious. The cardiac CT scan and CT angiogram are two currently used tests for evaluating the heart and blood vessels. So, how do these tests differ? Knowing their different roles can help patients decide if they should take steps to increase their heart health. Thus, this blog will break down the differences between these two procedures as to when and why each would be appropriate to use.

    What Is a Cardiac CT scan?

    A heart cardiogram imaging test, also known as a cardiac CT scan, is a specialized X-ray imaging test that enables detailed cross-sectional images of the heart and its surrounding structures. The procedure is noninvasive and helps doctors detect coronary artery disease, heart defects, and other abnormalities.

    An X-ray beam captures multiple images of the patient lying on a table while that table moves through a CT scanner. The images are then scrambled to create an overall image of the heart. As a safer, more comfortable option for some patients, a cardiac CT scan does not require catheter insertion, as does a traditional angiogram.

    What Is a Cardiac CT scan

    What Is a CT Angiogram?

    CT angiogram is a more detailed imaging test used to study the blood vessels, including the coronary arteries. CT scanning, in combination with a dye that’s absorbed into the bloodstream, highlights blockages or narrowing in the arteries.

    It is especially useful for diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease, aneurysms, and blood clots. This contrast dye makes it easier for doctors to see potential problems with blood flow more clearly than is possible with a standard cardiac CT scan. CT angiograms have high accuracy in the diagnosis of arterial blockages, signifying a valuable tool for early diagnosis and treatment planning, as claimed by Smith et al. (2021).

    How Do Cardiac CT scans and CT Angiograms Differ?

    Both tests use CT imaging technology, but they are used for different purposes and procedures:

    • Objective: A cardiac CT scan is mainly used to evaluate the anatomy of the heart, including the heart chambers, valves, etc. A CT angiogram, on the other hand, focuses on blood flow and pollution of the arteries.
    • Contrast Dye: A cardiac CT scan will or will not use contrast dye, while a CT angiogram must use contrast dye to bring out the blood vessels.
    • Both tests are noninvasive. A CT angiogram requires intravenous contrast infusion, whereas a cardiac CT scan can be performed without dye in some cases.
    • Cardiac CT scan and CT angiogram diagnostic focus: A cardiac CT scan is used for general heart assessment, and a CT angiogram is used to detect specific arterial conditions.

    Johnson & Lee (2020) also found that CT angiograms are more accurate in detecting the severity of arterial blockage, while cardiac CT scans are better for evaluating heart function and anatomy.

    Which Test Is Right for You?

    A cardiac CT scan or CT angiogram is chosen based on the symptoms and concerns the patient has. A cardiac CT scan can be recommended for patients with suspected structural heart problems or congenital heart defects or general heart screening by doctors. In contrast, a CT angiogram is often used in patients with chest pain, symptoms of coronary artery disease, or a high risk of heart attack.
    You must consult with a healthcare professional if you are uncertain which test will be best for you. The latest technology is used to provide both “cardiac CT scans” and CT angiograms through ViaScan so that a correct diagnosis and better heart health can be provided.

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    Conclusion

    Cardiac CT scans and CT angiograms are very useful diagnostic tools in determining heart health. However, they are not the same thing. A cardiac CT scan is a broad view of the heart’s structure, while a CT angiogram focuses more on detecting blood vessel abnormalities. That can inform patients and doctors on the best way for them to diagnose if there is something wrong with the heart. ViaScan offers advanced, noninvasive heart scans to help you stay on top of your cardiac health if you are looking for reliable cardiac imaging.

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    123bodyscan
    20/Jan/2025
    CT AngiogramCT Scan0

    How Long Does an Angiogram Takeffgg

    The best way to avoid stress and be fully empowered for a life-changing decision like an angiogram is to know all about angiograms. It’s important to know more about how long it will take, what to expect, and why this procedure is required if you are planning a coronary angiogram or a CT coronary angiogram. This blog should give you an idea of how long angiograms will take, why angiograms are done, and anything you need to know about angiograms to prepare for this important step in managing your cardiovascular health.

    What Is an Angiogram?

    An angiogram is an invasive procedure in which your doctor takes pictures of your blood vessels to determine whether there is any blockage or other problems. A coronary angiogram is even specific to the arteries that feed the heart close and investigates blockages, constriction, or other occurrences that may cause heart difficulties. It is a technique whereby a contrast dye is administered through the bloodstream, and an X-ray picture is taken of the blood vessel. A CT coronary angiogram is quite a non-invasive procedure that uses CT scans to generate images of the arteries. Both techniques are informative in assessing cardiovascular health, but they use entirely different approaches and different periods. Baker et al. (2020) discovered that both conventional and CTCA offer valuable information to manage cardiovascular diseases. The differences can be a degree of invasiveness and the time it takes for execution.

    What is the Duration of the Procedure?

    The duration of an angiogram also varies depending on the type of angiogram or the trickiness of the process. Literature shows that a commonplace coronary angiogram should take between 30 and 60 minutes. However, in the case of other interventional procedures like angioplasty or stent implantation, the intervention process may be longer. On the other hand, the CT coronary angiogram, which does not involve any invasive procedures, comes to about 15 to 30 minutes of preparation plus imaging time. Other time variables may bring the total duration to about two hours, including the time that may be spent preparing; for instance, inserting an IV line and going through the patient’s history may take half an hour to one hour. Recovery is another factor with regular angiography since you may have to be admitted and possibly admitted for several hours or overnight for close monitoring. According to Curry and Johnson (2021), the herein outlined factors apply, such as the duration of the procedure depending on the patient’s conditions and other interventions like stent placement.

    Which Factors Should Be Expected During This Procedure?

    A coronary angiogram is done with the patient unconscious and fully awake due to the use of local anesthesia. A catheter is to be threaded through an artery in your groin or your wrist to the blood vessels supplying the heart. They will use contrast dye and make X-ray pictures to determine the flow of blood. During a CT coronary angiogram, you will have to lie down on a table that then moves into the CT scan area. A contrast dye is injected through a catheter, and you get cross-sectional images of your coronary arteries in less than 5 minutes. The two procedures are non-invasive, but you may experience a very small amount of discomfort when the contrast dye is administered.

    What are the advantages and dangers of an Angiogram?

    As for the advantages of an angiogram, the diagnostics include the identification of blockage or narrowing in arteries, the early identification of the conditions that may potentially cause heart attacks or strokes, and the direction to other treatments such as angioplasty or surgery. However, as with all kinds of surgical interventions, there are potential complications, including the possibility of an allergic reaction to the dye used during the procedure, blood loss from the site where the catheter was inserted, or, in a few instances, heart problems. Your healthcare provider will explain such risks to you and ensure that you are fully aware of them before the procedure.

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    Conclusion

    The time taken for an angiogram varies with the kind of angiogram. In this case, the CT coronary angiogram takes about 15 minutes, while the traditional coronary angiogram may take an hour or more. Two techniques are valuable to understanding the heart status and assist in organizing its therapy. We value your health and, therefore, provide you with excellent diagnostic imaging services at ViaScan. We promise results and quality treatment as per your requirements.

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    What-Is-a-CT-Angiogram-1-1200x675.jpg
    123bodyscan
    18/Apr/2024
    CT Angiogram0

    What Is a CT Angiogram?ffgg

    What is the difference between a CT Scan and a CT Angiogram?

    Scans are one of the most important tools used by doctors to look for problems that are going on inside the body or to ensure the normal functioning of the human body. A CT Scan is one of the most used scans by doctors. In a CT Scan, X-rays are used to create images of the body that are cross-sectional, giving a detailed look into the body parts. 

    Whereas a CT Scan that is used only to assess the blood vessels throughout a body is known as a CT Angiogram. In the angiogram type of CT scan, a dye is injected into the blood vessels, which highlights the blood vessels for examination.

    How long does a CT angiogram take?     

    Scans are one of the most important tools used by doctors to diagnose problems inside the body. These scans are basically highly detailed imagery of the internal body parts and their structure that are used to ensure the normal anatomy and physiology of different body systems. 

    One such scan is an angiogram in which a dye is injected into the blood vessels to study the blood vessels and to see if anything is going wrong inside them. This CT angiogram procedure takes place anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, and it depends on several factors, like explaining the method to the patient and positioning the patient correctly so that the scan can happen without errors.

    What does a CT angiogram of the chest show?

    Scans, being a valuable tool for health care professionals, provide a better view of the internal structures of the body. These highly detailed images of the body can be used for different reasons by doctors, like to diagnose diseases and to monitor various types of diseases. 

    One such scan is an Angiogram, which is used to assess the blood vessels of the body. A chest angiogram shows detailed images of the blood vessels present in the chest or the blood vessels of the structures present in the chest, like the heart and lungs. Heart arteries like the coronary arteries, aorta, and pulmonary arteries can easily be assessed through such scans to look for problems going inside them. ViaScan of Las Colinas is a body scanning center that offers top-notch and quality CT angiography using advanced CT scanners.

    What is a CT angiogram of the heart?

    Scans are detailed images of the internal body parts that doctors use to look for the internal anatomy of the body. These scans are used by doctors to confirm their diagnosis or to diagnose problems inside the human body. One such scan is the Computed tomography angiogram, which is a modification to the normal CT Scan. 

    In such scans, a dye is injected into the blood vessels, which highlights the blood, and then detailed images are produced, which then allows for the thorough evaluation of the vessels. This scan can be used to diagnose coronary artery disease, embolism, or any kind of stroke.

    What test shows blocked arteries in the heart?

    The heart is one of the most important organs of the human body, and without a healthy heart, it is very hard for an individual to live a normal life. The function the heart plays for the body is very pivotal as it provides oxygen to the body, which is needed by the body cells to perform its functions normally. 

    Moreover, it also plays a part in taking carbon dioxide, i.e., the waste material from the cells to the lungs, where it is taken outside the body through the lungs. If you have blocked arteries in the heart, this whole process will be compromised, and it will be very hard to live. A CT Coronary angiogram can be used to detect blocked arteries in the heart.

    How accurate is a CTA of the heart?

    CTA is a modified type of CT scan for the arteries present in the heart. The heart plays a major role in the overall health of a person, and if there is a problem going on inside the heart, a person can never be healthy. With issues going inside the heart, a person can never live a normal life, and overall life quality is compromised. 

    With the help of CTA, the doctors can assess the vessels of the heart to look for any blockages or problems going inside the heart vessels. The overall accuracy of this scan is very high, and it can detect a lot of coronary artery problems very accurately.

    How does a blockage look on a CT angiography of the heart?

    A blockage in the coronary artery looks like a stenosis where the coronary artery looks like a constriction or narrowing of the lumen. There can also be calcium deposits that can be seen on the angiogram, or there can be non-calcium deposits. Moreover, in extreme cases, total occlusion of the artery can be seen.

    Blocked artery on a CT scan of the heart

    A blockage in the coronary artery resembles a stenosis in which the lumen is constricted or narrowed. Calcium deposits can also be observed on angiograms, as well as non-calcium deposits. Furthermore, in extreme circumstances, the artery may become completely occluded. 

    With blockage of the heart arteries, the whole function of the heart can be compromised, like providing oxygen to different body parts and also the excretion of carbon dioxide from the cells to the lungs, from which they are removed to the outside environment.

    How do you check heart blockage without angiography?

    As we know, the heart is one of the most important organs of the human body as it performs very important functions for the body. The main function of the heart is to take the oxygenated blood to the body cells, which require oxygen to perform their normal functions. 

    Moreover, the heart also brings the carbon dioxide from the body cells to the lungs for their excretion, as carbon dioxide is not good for the body. To look for any heart blockage without angiography, we can do other procedures like an Electrocardiogram, which records the electrical activity of the heart. We can also perform ECHO and stress tests to find blockages.

    What is coronary artery disease?

    Coronary arteries are the arteries that are related to the heart. As we know, the heart is a very important organ of the human body, and without a heart, no person is able to live. With a diseased or unhealthy heart, the overall quality of life is decreased, and nobody is able to live a normal life. 

    One of the most common diseases of the heart is coronary artery disease, which is characterized by any narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries of the heart, which provide oxygenated blood to the body tissues.

    What causes coronary artery disease?

    Coronary arteries are the arteries of the heart. Their function is to provide oxygenated blood to the body tissues and cells, as oxygen is needed by the body cells to perform their normal function. 

    A coronary artery is said to be diseased if there is any narrowing due to any blockage of the vessels and its function is compromised. There could be a lot of reasons for such blockages, like High cholesterol, Hypertension, smoking, diabetes, unhealthy diet, etc.

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    Summary: 

    To summarize, a CT angiogram is an effective way of determining blocked arteries and thrombosis. Hence, choosing the right scanning center is important. ViaScan of Las Colinas offers accurate scanning of your heart. Their scanning facility is equipped with advanced CT scanners and their staff is highly skilled in what they do.

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