Cerebral angiography

1. CEREBRAL
ANGIOGRAPHY
By Esther Katukula

2. ■ Cerebral angiography is a medical imaging
technique used to visualize the blood vessels in and
around the brain. It involves the injection of a
contrast dye into the arteries, typically in the groin
area, which then travels to the blood vessels in the
brain. X-ray images are taken to capture the flow of
the contrast dye, allowing the radiologist to assess
the anatomy and condition of the blood vessels.
Cerebral angiography is commonly used to diagnose
and evaluate conditions such as aneurysms,
arteriovenous malformations, and other vascular
abnormalities in the brain.

3. ■In this procedure a catheteris
inserted into an artery usually the
femoral artery and indirectly
threaded up to the carotid artery.
Then, a radiopaque dye is injected,
which allows X-ray visualization of the
cerebral vasculature.

4. ■The nurse is responsible for patient
preparation, before the procedure.
She/ he put up the IV line if required
and prepares the papers where the
physician will write.

5. Summary
■ Cerebral angiography is a specialized imaging
technique used to visualize the blood vessels in and
around the brain. It involves the injection of a
contrast dye into the arteries, followed by X-ray
imaging to capture the flow of the dye through the
brain's blood vessels. This procedure helps in
diagnosing various abnormalities such as
aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and
narrowing or blockage of blood vessels. Additionally,
it can assist in surgical planning for conditions
affecting the blood vessels in the brain.