Fairfax Radiological Consultants

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Diagnostic Spinal Angiography

Diagnostic Spinal Angiography is a minimally invasive diagnostic test to detect or confirm abnormalities in the blood vessels in your spine such as arteriovenous malformation (AVM), arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or spinal cord stroke.


During the procedure, the Neurointerventional Surgeon inserts a catheter into an artery in your leg and uses X-ray guidance to find the area to be examined. Once there, contrast material is injected through the catheter and several sets of X-rays taken. The catheter is then removed.


The procedure takes between one and three hours and is performed under general anesthesia to ensure you remain perfectly motionless for best results. If a problem is found, the physician may also perform an endovascular coiling or embolization to treat it. A small coil, stent or glue-like substance is injected into the blood vessels to block off blood flow.