CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) ANGIOGRAPHY
A significant number of patients with leg vein occlusion are also associated with obstructions in the heart vessels, cervical veins, aorta (main artery) and renal vessels.
Although color Doppler ultrasound is used firstly in the diagnosis of leg artery disease, further examination is absolutely necessary.
In our clinic, in these patients, we perform vascular mapping by computed tomography (CT) angiography before the procedure and identify the diseased areas and plan before the procedure.
In the treatment session, we use the angiography method to open the occluded vessels using groin vessels.
However, there are many comorbid diseases in this patient group.
Diabetes and renal failure are the most common.
In patients with renal failure or borderline renal function tests, the use of iodinated contrast media, which is an imaging agent used in CT angiography and inguinal angiography methods, may lead to complete loss of renal function, leading to the need for dialysis.
Contrast agents used in these patients may impair renal function or cause serious harm to critically ill patients.
These patients suffer from serious problems both during the diagnosis and treatment.
In these patients, carbon dioxide gas can be used as an opaque substance during imaging and treatment.
Since carbon dioxide gas has no side effects on renal function, vascular imaging can be performed safely in patients with renal failure.
After entering the groin veins, special tubes and pumps are used.
Carbon dioxide Angiography can be used in vessels below the diaphragm level.
Below this level, it is used not only for diagnosis and vascular mapping but also for direct treatment sessions.