Vascular CT Scans

A vascular CT scan uses advanced imaging technology to create detailed images of the blood vessels throughout your body. This non-invasive examination plays a vital role in diagnosing and evaluating various vascular conditions, including:

  • Detecting blood clots in arteries or veins
  • Identifying weak and bulging areas in the walls of blood vessels
  • Diagnosing abnormal connections between arteries and veins
  • Assessing blockages or narrowing of arteries in the legs
  • Providing detailed information for planning procedures like angioplasty or stent placement

If you have risk factors for vascular disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking, a vascular CT scan may be needed to assess your vascular health and identify potential problems.

Your Vascular System

Your blood vessels form a remarkable system of arteries and veins that transport oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your organs and tissues. They then carry waste products back to the heart for cleansing. When problems arise within these vital pathways, it can disrupt this delicate balance and lead to various health concerns. 

Vascular CT scans can be a powerful tool for safeguarding blood vessel health by providing insight into the inner workings of your arteries and veins. 

At Tellica Imaging, our vascular CT scans offer a specialized imaging technique that uses cutting-edge technology to provide a detailed picture of your vascular system. They allow your healthcare provider to diagnose and evaluate a wide range of vascular conditions.

Types of Vascular CT Scans

Vascular CT scans can be of multiple types. 

CT Angiography for Arteries

CT Angiography (CTA) is a minimally invasive procedure where a CT scan is performed with a contrast dye injection to help visualize the arteries throughout your body. Using contrast dye helps to visually spell out the condition of the arteries and provides detailed images that allow providers to look for the following.

  • Aortic Disease: The aorta is the largest artery in the body, responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. CTA can detect aneurysms (bulges) or dissections (tears) within the aorta, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
  • Iliac Artery Disease: The iliac arteries are located in the lower abdomen and supply blood to the legs and pelvis. CTA can identify blockages or narrowing of these arteries, which can contribute to leg pain and other complications.
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): PAD is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the arteries in the legs and feet. CTA can visualize these blockages and assess the severity of PAD, aiding in treatment planning.

Venography for Veins

Venography is a specialized CT scan that focuses on visualizing the veins throughout your body. Similar to CTA, a contrast dye is injected into a vein, allowing for clear visualization of blood flow within the venous system. 

Venography can be helpful in diagnosing the following conditions.

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. Venography can effectively detect the presence and location of a blood clot, allowing for prompt treatment to prevent complications such as a pulmonary embolism (PE).
  • Venous Insufficiency: Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins struggle to effectively return blood to the heart. Venography can reveal abnormalities within the veins that may be contributing to venous insufficiency, such as improperly functioning valves.

Schedule Your CT Scan Today

Vascular CT scans are powerful tools in the healthcare provider’s diagnostic arsenal, helping them make informed treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals will work with you to determine the most appropriate CT scan for your specific needs. 

Don't wait to get the answers you need. 

Visit us at any of our convenient locations and our friendly staff is here to answer your questions and guide you through the scheduling process. To schedule an imaging test at any of our locations, please call us today. 

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