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Diagnostic X-ray procedure to clearly visualize the right and left carotid artery anatomy. A catheter is inserted into the arterial system and advanced up to the aortic arch. The tip of the catheter is placed into the opening of the left, and then the right carotid arteries. Contrast "dye" is injected into the artery as X-ray motion pictures are recorded. Recordings are obtained at various angles to the vessels, to clearly define each artery. Procedure length of time is approximately 30-45 minutes. Patient is restricted to bed rest for approximately 1-6 hours after the procedure. **Length of time on bed rest will vary depending on physician, and if a "closure device" was used to seal the puncture site in the artery. If no closure device is used, the catheter is then removed and manual pressure is held until the bleeding has stopped. A tight pressure dressing is placed over the puncture site and will remain for several hours - approximately 6 hours and the patient will remain on bed rest during this time. For those patients that have significant carotid artery disease (>70%), carotid stenting may be a viable alternative to carotid endarterectomy surgery. Presently, carotid stenting is only performed under the guides of a research protocol and inclusion into the different available clinical studies are on a case by case basis. The stenting procedure is done as a separate procedure from the carotid angiogram and requires diligent participation by the patient with regards to preparation and follow-up care.
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