Arterial Interventions in Los Angeles

Conditions

PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE (PAD)

PAD is a circulatory problem that limits blood flow to the limbs. Narrowed arteries caused by plaque buildup are often the cause. Without proper circulation, the arms and legs can feel cold, numb, weak, or change color. Sores and painful cramping may lead to mobility issues if PAD is left untreated.

ACUTE ARTERIAL OCCLUSION

Artery occlusion is the partial or complete blockage of an artery. An occlusion reduces or stops the flow of oxygenated blood to the extremities, which can result in limb compromise.

ARTERIAL ANEURYSM

An arterial aneurysm is a bulging artery that occurs when the artery wall weakens. Aneurysms have no symptoms unless they rupture. A ruptured aneurysm can be fatal due to internal bleeding.

ARTERIAL DISSECTION

Artery dissection refers to a sudden tear on the inside wall of an artery. As the tear enlarges, a small pouch known as a "false lumen" forms. Blood accumulated in the false lumen starts to form clots that can break off and travel to other parts of the body, decreasing blood supply to vital organs.

Procedures

ARTERIAL ANGIOGRAPHY

Angiography is a diagnostic imaging procedure to detect arterial conditions, such as peripheral arterial disease.

Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is placed through an arm or groin artery. A special dye is injected into the catheter. Blood vessels are examined with X-ray imaging. The dye helps to show blood vessel problems more clearly on the angiogram. The catheter is withdrawn. A bandage is placed on the skin. Angiography is a relatively painless procedure that takes less than two hours.

ARTERIAL ANGIOPLASTY

If the angiogram results show a blocked artery, then angioplasty may be performed to open the artery.

Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is placed through the groin or arm into the main artery. The catheter is manipulated until it reaches the blockage. Imaging helps to guide the catheter. A tiny balloon is then inflated inside the blocked artery to widen it. Blood flow is immediately improved, and occasionally stents are added to support the artery walls to stay open. The catheter is withdrawn and a bandage is placed on the skin. The angioplasty procedure takes two to three hours.

ARTERIAL THROMBECTOMY

A thrombectomy is a surgical procedure that removes blood clots in an emergency. This treatment is usually reserved for a large clot or multiple clots that pose an acute threat.

Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a catheter is placed into the main artery using image guidance. A device follows into the main artery and is placed inside the blood blot to break it into tiny pieces which can be removed or absorbed by the body naturally. Sometimes this is used in combination with a balloon, a stent, a suction device, and clot-busting medications. The incision is closed and bandaged. The procedure takes two to three hours.

ARTERIAL THROMBOLYSIS

Thrombolysis is a nonsurgical clot-busting treatment for acute arterial blockage.

Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is inserted into the main artery, usually at the groin. The catheter is manipulated until it reaches the clot. X-ray imaging helps to guide the catheter during the procedure. A thrombolytic (clot busting) medication is given to break up the clot. The catheter is withdrawn and the skin is bandaged. The thrombolysis procedure takes less than two hours.

ARTERIAL STENTS

A stent is a small mesh tube that supports the artery walls. Stent placement is done to keep a clogged artery open so blood can flow. Stents are usually reserved for severely clogged arteries. Some stents are coated with a special medication to help keep the artery open.

Procedure: Stent placement is performed during angiography. Under conscious sedation, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is inserted through the arm or groin artery. The catheter is manipulated until it reaches the main artery. X-ray imaging helps to guide the catheter during the procedure. One or more stents are placed inside the artery until blood flow is improved. The catheter is withdrawn and the skin is bandaged.

ARTERY EMBOLIZATION IN THE SPLEEN, LIVER, KIDNEYS

Splenic artery embolization provides a treatment to reduce the size of an enlarged spleen, without invasive surgery. Liver and kidney embolization can be performed to reduce bleeding and blood flow if a blood vessel is abnormal or damaged.

Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a needle is inserted into the groin artery. The needle is manipulated until it reaches the artery that supplies blood to the organ. An X-ray with contrast dye helps to guide the needle during the procedure. Next, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is inserted. Embolic agents are injected to obstruct blood flow to the blood vessel or organ. The catheter is withdrawn and the skin is bandaged. The procedure usually takes one to two hours.

PULMONARY ARTERY MECHANICAL THROMBECTOMY

Pulmonary artery thrombectomy is a procedure that removes blood clots from pulmonary arteries with machine-assisted suction. This treatment is usually reserved for a large clot or multiple clots that pose an acute threat and cause breathing difficulties and heart failure.

Procedure: Under conscious sedation and careful monitoring of the heart and lungs, an incision is made in the blood vessel in the groin. X-ray imaging is used to pass the catheter (a thin tube) into the main pulmonary artery, through the heart. The suction device is positioned adjacent to or inside the blood clot and the clot is removed. Instead of manually breaking up the clot, aspiration (suction) is used to remove the clot. The incision is closed and bandaged. The procedure takes two to three hours.

Centinela Radiology arterial interventions are:

• Minimally invasive
• Image Guided
• Safe
• Performed as outpatient or inpatient
• Confidential

Schedule your Los Angeles arterial intervention by calling Centinela Radiology Medical Group at (888) 598-8819.