Woman Meeting with Her Vascular Specialist

CT Angiogram: Diagnosing Peripheral Artery Disease

CT angiogram (CTA) is a non-invasive imaging procedure that combines computed tomography (CT) scanning with a contrast dye to produce detailed images of blood vessels and tissues. This technique allows doctors to see inside the arteries and assess their health, making it a critical imaging tool for diagnosing peripheral artery disease (PAD). By providing clear, high-resolution images, CT angiograms help in detecting blockages, evaluating blood flow, and planning appropriate treatments.

CT Angiogram Candidates

Patients at risk for PAD, especially those over the age of 50 with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or a family history of PAD, should consider a CT angiogram. If you are also experiencing the following symptoms, you should consider taking this test.

  • Leg pain while walking (claudication)
  • Leg cramps at night (rest pain)
  • Sores on toes or feet that won’t heal
  • Coldness in the legs or feet
  • Discoloration in the legs or feet

Benefits of the CT Angiogram

A CT angiogram provides many advantages for individuals who are at risk of or are experiencing symptoms of PAD.

  • Non-invasive tests reduce the risk of bleeding and infection
  • Provides highly detailed 3D images of the arteries
  • Detects PAD at an early stage 
  • Typically takes under 30 minutes
  • More comfortable experience for patients

CT Angiogram Preparation

Before the procedure, you will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for your CT angiogram, which may include the following:

  • Inform your doctor about any allergies you have
  • Fast for 4 hours before the test
  • Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
  • Do not wear any jewelry or metal objects
  • Arrange for a ride home
PAD
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Find out if you are at risk for Peripheral Artery Disease.

CT Angiogram Procedure

A CT angiogram requires injecting a contrast dye into the blood vessels. The CT scanner takes multiple cross-sectional images, which are then reconstructed by a computer to create a three-dimensional view of the blood vessels. The scan is quick, usually taking about 15-30 minutes, and involves the following steps:

  • IV Insertion: A nurse or technician will insert a thin plastic tube (IV) into a vein in your arm or hand.
  • Contrast Dye Injection: A contrast dye will be injected through the IV line. This dye helps blood vessels show up more clearly in the CT scan images, You might experience a warm flushing sensation or a metallic taste in your mouth during injection, which is usually temporary and harmless.
  • Positioning: You’ll be positioned on a special scanning table that slides into the CT scanner, a large donut-shaped machine. Depending on the area being examined, you might be positioned on your back or stomach.
  • Scanning: The CT scanner will rotate around you, taking multiple X-ray images at different angles. During the scan, you’ll need to lie still and you may be asked to hold your breath for brief moments to ensure clear images.

Once the scan is complete, the IV line is removed, and you can resume your normal activities. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast dye from your system. There is minimal downtime associated with a CT angiogram, and most patients can return to their usual activities immediately.

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Understanding Your Results

Our affiliated vascular specialists are interventional radiologists who will review the images from your CT angiogram. One of our interventional radiologists will assess the arteries in your legs for any blockages caused by plaque buildup. They will measure the degree of narrowing in the arteries and pinpoint the exact location of any blockages. The CTA images will show how blood flows through your arteries. If there are signs of a blockage or reduced blood flow, it can be a sign of PAD. Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend treatment options such as medication to manage symptoms and prevent further progression of PAD, lifestyle changes, and minimally invasive treatments to open up narrowed arteries, like angioplasty and stenting.

Why is a CTA Scan Important?

A CT angiogram (CTA) scan is important for the diagnosis and management of PAD. It provides an accurate diagnosis with highly detailed 3D images of blood vessels. This allows doctors to pinpoint the exact location, severity, and extent of blockages in the arteries.

This accuracy is crucial for differentiating PAD from other conditions and determining the best course of treatment. A CTA scan can also help detect complications of PAD early to prevent further issues.

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Why Choose American Endovascular for Your CT Angiogram?

At American Endovascular, we offer a full spectrum of diagnostic tests to ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis for PAD. Our affiliated team is here to guide you through every step of your CTA, answering any questions you may have and addressing your concerns. We utilize the latest CTA equipment and techniques to ensure accurate and reliable results. Our advanced technology allows for detailed visualization of your arteries, which is important for effective diagnosis and treatment planning.

CT Angiogram Frequently Asked Questions

Can a CT angiogram detect blockage?

A CT angiogram is highly effective in detecting blockages in blood vessels. The contrast dye makes blood vessels visible on the CT images, showing the presence of blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities.

How soon will I know the results of my CTA?

Your results might be available shortly after the scan, but a detailed analysis by a radiologist can take a few days. Your doctor will review the results with you once they are available.

How does CTA compare to a traditional angiogram?

CTA is less invasive than traditional angiography, which involves inserting a catheter into the blood vessels. CTA uses CT imaging and contrast dye injected into a vein, making it quicker and generally safer with a lower risk of complications.

Vascular Centers in New York and New Jersey

American Endovascular has multiple locations throughout New York and New Jersey that give you easy access to our diagnostic services. Visit our nearest American Endovascular to find out if you have PAD.

Brooklyn, NY
71 Carroll Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
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Harlem, NY
505 East 116th Street
Harlem, NY 10029
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Queens, NY
28-18 31st Street
Queens, NY 11102
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West Orange, NJ
347 Mount Pleasant Avenue
Suite 100
West Orange, NJ 07052
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Love this Dr and staff. They are all kind courteous and professional with excellent medical care. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need.
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First Impressions are lasting impressions! First, the staff are phenomenal! How is it possible that each and every one of them are incredibly kind, caring, professional, personable and treat you like you are THE most important person in the world!? Well, meet this team for an experience that will make you feel valued as a person, not just as a patient. In walks this amazing Doctor and now you understand why his team are the way they are! They regard each other with the utmost respect, and kindness, and they communicate with each other like family. And as a new patient, I had the honor and pleasure to experience excellence in patient care and concern. I am so very grateful to have found a Doctor who is in my opinion perfect with a team who are exceptional! I’m excited for my next visit, honestly! I write this with a great big Smile on my face!
CC
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EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT ALL AROUND!!! THANK YOU!!!
Marion Moore
Marion Moore
13:44 17 Apr 24
Excellent, professional, organized and efficient all best describes the service here.
Delsi Cunningham
Delsi Cunningham
17:28 05 Apr 24
Very nice and friendly staff.I was so nervous, they all made me feel relaxed and comfortable.They explained everything to me step by step.
Keith Dickens
Keith Dickens
13:10 02 Apr 24
Excelente servicio es lo mejor que me a pasado gracias a sus buenos tratamiento ya no tengo dolor
The staff are the best. Very elated,with the exceptional care,professionalism, and genuine concern, displayed by all the staff.
Constance Sidberry
Constance Sidberry
03:50 17 Mar 24
I felt very comfortable with him. Excellent bedside manner, proper teaching , and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him!
Jamel Jackson
Jamel Jackson
14:07 27 Feb 24
Yes it was a good place
Carmen Diaz
Carmen Diaz
14:22 20 Feb 24
The absolute BEST Dr!! Detailed, caring & kind! The best medical procedure I’ve ever had from consultation to post procedure, perfect! 10s all around 👏🏽👍🏽👍🏽 many thank yous🙏🏾
Josi W
Josi W
22:04 12 Jan 24
Is good to be with friendly and professional staff at doctor’s offices like this one.
Dr. Joseph Sham and the entire Team were very professional, knowledgeable, informative and had incredible patience with me by answering all my questions and concerns. Great Team…Thank you all! 👍
Marion
Marion
22:17 27 Dec 23
I was treated very well. The staff was very professional and made me feel comfortable. Looking forward to my next visit.
Stephen Lapinsky
Stephen Lapinsky
20:17 20 Dec 23
This experience was great I’m so happy with everything
stephanie suazo
stephanie suazo
22:53 13 Dec 23
I love this place stuff is helpful an they all were nice. I had a wonderful experience Dr Shams was great.
Victoria Pacheco
Victoria Pacheco
22:07 17 Nov 23
Professional services
Ricky Mo
Ricky Mo
22:14 15 Nov 23
I like the doctor they were kind of pretty thorough he says that he could help me he found out the filter in my abdomen from the surgery I had in 1996 has been clogging my blood flow for 25 years and that’s causing the swelling at every other doctor told me was lymphedema it was not lymphedema it caused the lymphedema because no other doctor took the time or care enough to find out the reason for my leg swelling this doctor was the only one who finally found out and he’s going to see if you could put a stent inside the filter to open it up and and stop my legs from swelling hopefully this will all go good it hasn’t happened yet but I’ll keep you posted thankful for this docto I just pray and hope that it works otherwise I like the doctor very much
Mitchell Dedios
Mitchell Dedios
21:01 27 Oct 23
Excellent service , good customer service and friendly staff. Thanks
Raysa Polanco
Raysa Polanco
20:54 27 Oct 23
You may likely have to wait. Avoid anxiety and frustration. Schedule extra time for the visit. Allow for personal attention to your care needs once in the examination room. Friendly, nice staff and doctor puts you at ease. Bottom line: worth the wait!
Sisle
Sisle
21:49 26 Oct 23
Excellent service and staff i’ll let you feel relaxing and comfortable
kadine campbell
kadine campbell
21:01 23 Oct 23
I was given good advice about my blood circulation
Emma Bb
Emma Bb
17:04 08 Oct 23
Dr. Shams office is amazing. Whitney and Angela were AMAZING. Great sense of humor. Staff is WONDERFUL.
Sara Correa
Sara Correa
21:13 18 Sep 23
Nice office, personnel friendly, & caring, good informative information concerning my care.
Loretta Johnson
Loretta Johnson
21:26 22 Aug 23
Really like this doctor, talks in your language, just over all regular nice person.
Linda Thoomey
Linda Thoomey
22:03 21 Jul 23
I’m very satisfied of my visit for the first time, everyone was concerned about me, and Dr David was very patient to listen to my long health stories, after that He gave me good explanation for my problem, that was great 👍
Claude Jean Pierre
Claude Jean Pierre
22:38 18 Jul 23
Follow up to a procedure. Dr Mobley and his staff are great and always helpful
DanLiza Diehl
DanLiza Diehl
21:25 10 Jul 23
David monkey,MD and the grupo are excellent very kind and helpful.i will return to them.the attention.its very satisfied.thank u ..
Luis Sarria
Luis Sarria
12:16 29 Jun 23
I had a good experience with my procedure and Dr. Mobley’s follow-up calls are great. I’ve never had a doctor who has been so concerned about following up after a procedure to see how I’m doing and if there are any post-procedure problems I may have experienced (which there aren’t). I’d highly recommend Dr. Mobley.
Hey Beej
Hey Beej
16:42 23 Jun 23
Dr Mobley was so helpful, informative and made me feel secure in making my future medical plan. Supportive and kind. Highly recommended.
Amanda L Browder
Amanda L Browder
15:57 23 Jun 23
Doctor was very thorough. Explaining what the procedure is all about. Tell me what I could realistically expect. Couldn’t have asked for a better consultation. Highly recommended if you have a prostate issue
John Buric
John Buric
16:26 15 Jun 23
I was very pleased and satisfied on how Dr. David Mobley examined me and explained everything on what I need to know regarding my condition. He’s very professional and knowledgeable in all aspects of his profession. I would highly recommend him to my other friends!
Celine Parcon
Celine Parcon
23:16 07 Jun 23
Dr Shams was very attentive and explained everything in detail. The staff was very nice, the staff/nurse were all so very helpful, It was a Monday morning and I didn’t expect such happy staff.
Stacy Lebeau
Stacy Lebeau
21:22 06 Jun 23
He puts his patients before himself, returning calls and e-mails quickly. Not only is he kind and considerate, he is an excellent physician. I had to have a procedure that requires me to be awake, and he talked me through it and kept me at ease. If I could give him more stars, I would.
Super friendly, tentative, once in the procedure rm the sx staff made you feel comfortable, easy,+ answered all questions. David mobley, MD answered all my questions, very informative, caring. I felt confident in his care
Thais Bini
Thais Bini
21:22 30 May 23
Great doctor. Everyone is so kind and caring. Great place to go
Joan Jurica
Joan Jurica
14:46 30 May 23
Good service!
Veronika Shopina
Veronika Shopina
21:09 24 May 23
There is a friendly atmosphere, fast medical attention and an advanced medical equipment !!!The Staff is very knowledgeable and the best care possibly !!!100 % Satisfied !!!
Cruz Figueroa
Cruz Figueroa
03:06 08 May 23
Whole staff was very friendly and professional. I feel confident that I came to the right place for treatment.
Rudy Padilla
Rudy Padilla
02:08 13 Apr 23
The best in Astoria I recommend Dr mobley and staff 100 percent
michaela1951
michaela1951
21:25 30 Mar 23
Knowledgeable , experienced, great bed side manners
mohamed hamed
mohamed hamed
10:09 30 Mar 23
I am pleased w/my experience @ endovascular. I hope they can save my foot.
Margo A Williams
Margo A Williams
19:19 29 Mar 23
This has been the best medical experience I’ve had in over thirty years. I was nervous to have a procedure after only knowing about my condition a year ago. They made this process so easy for me that I’m in shock that I had no pain, no discomfort thanks to an excellent doctor and professional staff! Thank you all and best of luck to your practice.
Stacey Marius
Stacey Marius
14:16 29 Mar 23
The doctor was very nice and professional. He explained the tests that I need and why I need them.
Judith AndersonNeal
Judith AndersonNeal
22:12 27 Mar 23
This was the best experience I have had in such a long time and I have had quite a few procedures in the past both in patient and out including the procedure I was currently present for. No other surgeon has been so kind, transparent, and gentle. Not only did he personally come out beforehand to provide me with education on my procedure, but he talked me through every step of the way and made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. Not to mention his amazing staff! Despite being extremely nervous they kept me smiling and laughing throughout the whole process. 10/10 would recommend. Thank you so much guys!!
Riah L.
Riah L.
13:49 22 Mar 23
Excellent bedside manners and the procedure was a breeze.
sen-pei hsia
sen-pei hsia
18:26 20 Mar 23
Los mejores/ the best💖🙏
Ruthy Ochoa
Ruthy Ochoa
04:17 03 Mar 23
Excellent, Patience, don’t Rush you to be finished. The Doctor explains everything and answers your questions. I would Recommend Dr.Sham service anytime, they are. Great!
Debra Farmer
Debra Farmer
00:16 01 Mar 23
I went with my mom who just had a hip surgery. The whole team was very caring, nice and very professional. I did appreciate that the surgeon took the time to explain to me what was wrong with my mom’s arm and what he did to fix it.
mouna khalyat
mouna khalyat
14:37 24 Feb 23
Very good and very responsive.
James Young
James Young
19:33 22 Feb 23
Although I didn’t meet with the doctor, the receptionist, assistant and nurse were great.
Theresa Gaines
Theresa Gaines
13:25 13 Feb 23
Every thing and the process are being done properly ..Terissa you are very Carey ..thank you so much every body are very polite and very professional.. Thank you so much to Dr.Mobley..God blessed you all .🙏🙏🙏👍
Remigio Ruda
Remigio Ruda
03:28 31 Jan 23
Very knowledgeable, personable and professional. I came to Dr. Mobley to correct another surgeons work and I was pleased with the outcome. There is a Hispanic woman that runs things in the O.R.She is great! The whole staff is wonderful and caring.Highly recommend
Lakesha Kingdom
Lakesha Kingdom
15:57 17 Jan 23
I had a wonderful PA take care of me, & the nurses were very sweet. I was happy with my visit
Aurora Anello
Aurora Anello
19:20 10 Jan 23
Everything always goes well.staff are very caring.
Lillian Rodriguez
Lillian Rodriguez
19:00 11 Dec 22
Excellent Doctor he explains the procedure process so that it is understandable and comfortable for the patient!
T. J.
T. J.
14:48 06 Dec 21
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