Thyroid angiography

Twelve patients were studied by selective thyroid angiography for the evaluation of solitary thyroid nodule. Under aseptic conditions with local anesthesia a #7 preshaped catheter was introduced through the femoral artery and guided to the thyrocervical trunk and inferior thyroid artery. Selectively, 2 to 6 cc of the contrast material was injected and a series of radiographs were taken. Striking differences were noticed in vessels in abnormal thyroid gland. In colloid goiter there was no filling of the vessels in the nodule. In fetal adenoma there was unusual branching of the vessels but no arteriovenous communications. In carcinoma, along with increased vascularities and abnormal branching, arteriovenous communications were noted.     

Fluorescent angiography

Fluorescent angiography is a simple and effective real-time tool for measurement of tissue perfusion both in and out of the operating room. It has multiple uses including: (1) identifying perforating vessels during flap planning; (2) locating primary and secondary angiosomes within a prepared flap; (3) as an aid in decision making for tissue debridement and flap creation; (4) intraoperative evaluation of microanastomoses; (5) postoperative flap monitoring, and (6) documentation of perfusion. The technology is easy to use in the hands of the operating surgeon and is safe for the patient, as it requires no radiation exposure.     

Renal imaging: duplex ultrasound,computed tomography angiography,magnetic resonance angiography,and angiography

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is one of the most common causes of severe hypertension (approximately 1–5% of all patients with hypertension). Presently, there is no universally accepted screening test for RAS. However, most clinicians use renal duplex ultrasound (RDU) imaging; while others use magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or contrast computed tomography angiography in selected patients. This review will highlight various imaging modalities and discuss the pros and cons of each.     

Intraoperative intracranial angiography

Forty-one intraoperative angiograms were performed on 39 patients undergoing surgical therapy for aneurysms or excision of deep arteriovenous malformations. Good quality radiographs were produced in each case using commonly available equipment. One nonfatal stroke syndrome was the only serious complication possibly attributable to these angiograms. The techniques of opacifying the anterior and posterior intracranial circulations are described and the value of angiography in the intraoperative situation is discussed.     

Magnetic resonance angiography

MRA and MRI have become increasingly important diagnostic modalities in vascular surgery. The ability to obtain cross-sectional and angiographic images by these noninvasive and non-nephrotoxic modalities represents one of the most significant advances in vascular surgery over the past decade. We review the current status of MRI and MRA in vascular surgical practice.     

Digital subtraction angiography

Between 10 February 1983 and 9 November 1984 482 patients were investigated by digital subtraction angiography, mainly for carotid arterial disease and problems associated with transplanted kidneys. The use of abdominal compression and antispasmodics are essential to minimize bowel artefacts for intraabdominal arterial examinations. The apparatus is advantageous for interventional radiologists. Images are immediately seen, can be stored on analogue tape, digitalized and obtained with smaller volumes of contrast medium and without arterial catheterization. Movement artefacts, however, can cause problems.