Centinela Radiology provides diagnostic and interventional vascular radiology in Los Angeles, CA. Our highly trained radiologists focus on diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive procedures with image guidance.
Centinela Radiology provides diagnostic and interventional vascular radiology in Los Angeles, CA. Our highly trained radiologists focus on diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive procedures with image guidance.
A blood clot (thrombus) in a deep leg vein can reach the lungs if left untreated. It may cause a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. More than 50% of patients with DVT eventually develop pulmonary embolism if the condition is not treated.
PAD is a blood circulation problem in the limbs. The most common cause is plaque buildup that causes arteries or veins to narrow. Without proper circulation, the extremities may feel cold, numb, weak, or change color. Sores and cramping may lead to mobility issues if PAD is left untreated.
An aneurysm is a bulging blood vessel that happens when a vein or artery wall is damaged. Aneurysms have no symptoms unless a rupture occurs. Most aneurysms never rupture. However, a ruptured aneurysm can be fatal, leading to internal bleeding.
Occlusion is the partial or complete blockage of a blood vessel. Oxygenated blood may have trouble reaching the heart, brain, or extremities. Likewise, deoxygenated blood may have trouble returning to the heart to pick up oxygen. Obstruction due to blood clots may cause immediate pain, swelling, or skin discoloration. Untreated occlusion can lead to deep vein thrombosis or a stroke.
Stenosis refers to a blood vessel that has narrowed, thus reducing blood flow. Atherosclerosis (fatty plaque deposits) is often the cause. Untreated stenosis can lead to a stroke.
Dissection refers to a sudden tear on the interior wall of a blood vessel. As the tear worsens, a small pouch known as a “false lumen” forms. Blood builds up in the false lumen, causing clots to form. Untreated dissection can lead to a stroke.
Varicose veins are dilated veins. Superficial veins may be readily seen on the skin. The legs and arms are commonly affected. Deep varicose veins that cannot be easily seen are possible. Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic concern. They may indicate more serious issues like venous reflux. If pain, swelling, ulcers, or other symptoms are present, treatment is advised. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment that eliminates unsightly veins.
A venous stasis ulcer is a painful sore on the legs or feet. The lesions take a long time to heal. Skin ulcers may indicate a circulation disorder, such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This occurs when blood does not flow upward from the legs to the heart as it should.
Faulty valves in the lower extremities cause blood pooling. Symptoms may include leg pain, swelling, fatigue, heavy limbs, and varicose veins. Leg pain is often described as dull or throbbing pain. Standing may make it worse.
This is a small, wiry device that collects blood clots before they can reach the lungs. The filter does not stop blood clots from forming. It simply filters clots from the blood as it flows through the inferior vena cava. This lowers the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) since clots cannot reach the lungs. Centinela Radiology specializes in retrievable filter placement. The filter is removed once the threat of PE passes.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation, an incision is placed on the groin or neck. A catheter (thin hollow tube) is inserted into the vein. The catheter is manipulated until it reaches the inferior vena cava. X-ray imaging helps to guide the catheter. The filter is collapsible, so it fits through the catheter with ease. The filter is left in the blood vessel, and the catheter is removed. The skin is bandaged. The patient has an immediately lower risk of pulmonary embolism.
Angiography is a diagnostic imaging tool that examines blood vessels with X-rays and a special dye.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is placed into a vein or artery near the elbow or groin. Contrast dye is injected and X-rays are taken. The dye makes it easier to see blood vessel problems on the angiogram. Angiography usually takes less than two hours.
Angiography uses X-ray imaging to detect blood vessel problems.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is placed inside a major vein or artery. A special dye is injected and X-rays are taken. The dye helps to show blood vessel problems more clearly on the angiogram. The angiography procedure takes 30 minutes to two hours.
If an angiogram shows a clogged artery or vein, then balloon angioplasty may be performed.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is placed into a major vein, usually at the elbow or groin. The catheter is manipulated until it reaches the affected blood vessel. Imaging assists the physician as the catheter is guided through the body. A tiny balloon is inserted into the catheter and placed into the blood vessel to widen it. Blood flow is immediately improved. Stents may be added to support the blood vessel walls. The catheter is withdrawn. A bandage is placed on the skin. Angioplasty takes less than two hours.
Thrombectomy is an emergency surgical procedure that is done to remove blood clots.
Procedure: Image guidance helps to locate the clot. Under general anesthesia, an incision is made in the skin near the blood clot. The blood vessel is opened and the clot is removed. The clot may be manually broken apart with special tools, or it may be aspirated using suction. One or more stents may be placed to keep the blood vessel open. The incision is closed and bandaged. The procedure takes two to three hours.
Thrombolysis is a non-surgical treatment that dissolves blood clots using an irritating solution.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is inserted into a main artery or vein, usually at the elbow or groin. The catheter is manipulated until it reaches the clot. X-ray imaging helps to guide the catheter during the procedure. Thrombolysis, a medication that dissolves blood clots, breaks up the clot. The catheter is withdrawn and the skin is bandaged. Thrombolysis usually takes less than two hours. The patient must lie flat for up to six hours after the treatment.
A stent is a small mesh tube. Stent placement is done to keep a narrowed blood vessel open. Stenting is usually reserved for large or severely clogged blood vessels. Some stents are coated with a medication that helps to keep the vein open.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is inserted near the elbow or groin. The catheter is manipulated until it reaches the obstructed blood vessel. X-ray imaging helps to guide the catheter during the procedure. Through the catheter, one or more stents are placed inside the narrowed vein or artery. The catheter is withdrawn, but the stent remains. A bandage is placed on the skin. An overnight hospital stay is common for this procedure.
A sclerosant is injected to shrink varicose veins.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation or local anesthetic, a microscopic needle passes through the skin and into the vein. Ultrasound imaging guides the needle if the varicose vein is located internally. Superficial veins that are clearly visible do not require ultrasound guidance. Sclerosant is injected to destroy each vein. Sclerosant is an irritating solution that causes the vein to collapse. With the unhealthy vein destroyed, blood re-routes to healthy veins. The collapsed vein is absorbed by the body over time.
Embolization is a minimally invasive technique performed by an interventional radiologist. It is done to intentionally obstruct blood flow within a vein or artery. Limiting the blood supply is an effective treatment for uterine fibroids, varicocele, prostate enlargement, spleen enlargement, and some benign tumors.
Procedure: Under conscious sedation, a catheter (thin hollow tube) is inserted into a major vein or artery. Ultrasound and X-rays guide a catheter to blood vessels that supply nourishment to the tumor. Tiny coils or an embolic medication are applied. The growth or enlargement becomes smaller over time as the blood flow is restricted. Most patients return home the same day.
Schedule your Los Angeles vascular radiology service by calling Centinela Radiology Medical Group at 310-673-4660.
Schedule an appointment today to experience why Centinela Radiology is the choice for diagnostic imaging solutions for patients around the country who need the right answers, right away.
Centinela Radiology’s expert team of doctors and staff have the talent and the tools to help make sense of your health. From diagnostic imaging to interventional radiology, our minimally-invasive procedures get to the core of your concerns, so we can get you back to being the image of health.
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