CT Angiography (CTA)
Your doctor has recommended you for Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). A CT scanner uses a combination of a high-tech x-ray scanner and sophisticated computer analysis to provide detailed images of your blood vessels. CTA is used to examine the health of blood vessels in your body, such as those in the brain, kidneys and legs. It can be used to identify weakened sections of arteries or veins and to visualize blood flow. CT Angiography provides your physicians with more-precise images of your blood vessels than either MRI or Ultrasound technology. Our team of subspecialty imaging physicians is led by Franklin Moser, MD, Clinical Chief of Interventional Neuroradiology.
Before Arriving for Your Exam
Depending on what part of your body is to be studied, you may need to limit your diet to clear liquids or to fast prior to your exam. Consult your doctor at least 24 hours before your exam for instructions on your diet.
Because you will need to wear a hospital gown for your exam, wear clothing that can be changed easily.
Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
Though we do not anticipate any delays in your exam, please consider bringing a book, magazine, or music player to help you pass the time while you are waiting.
After Arriving
A radiology nurse or technologist will ask you a few questions regarding your medical history.
You must inform the technologist, radiology nurse and/or physician of any allergies you may have before your exam, or if you are or might be pregnant.
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and a nurse or technologist will insert a small I.V. in your arm.
During Your Exam
While positioning you on an exam table, the technologist will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
A contrast agent (dye) will be injected through your I.V. During the injection you may experience a warm sensation all over your body and a metal taste in your mouth. This is normal.
You will be asked to lie flat on your back. In some cases, pillows or straps may be used to keep the area being examined from moving during the scan.
The exam table will slide into the scanner, only covering the part of your body which is being studied. The scanner is open at the back and the front, allowing you to see out.
The technologist will always be able to see and hear you during your exam.
You may be asked to hold your breath for a short time while the scanner takes a series of pictures. The time it takes to actually acquire images is very brief.
The images will be reviewed, and if necessary, some may be repeated.
This procedure usually takes approximately 15-30 minutes. Your total time commitment will be approximately one hour.
After Your Exam
You may resume your normal diet.
You should drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast dye out of your system.
An imaging physician will examine your images and write a report of their findings. This report will be sent to your physician, usually within 24 hours. Some scans require more computer processing, and these may take longer to analyze.
Your physician will contact you with the results of your exam.
To request a copy of your images on a CD or film, or to request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000 and follow the prompts.
Parking Information
Valet parking is available in front of the Imaging center from 7:30am-5:00pm.
For self parking, please enter parking lot P4, located at the corner of San Vicente Blvd. and 3rd Street. The entrance is on San Vicente Blvd.
If you are arriving after 5:00pm, please park in parking lot P1, located off of George Burns Rd. between Beverly Blvd. and Alden Dr. The entrance is off of George Burns Rd.
Partially validated parking at a cost of $4.00 is provided to our imaging patients for valet and self parking in the lots mentioned above.
Please Note: We do not validate for parking lots in the Medical Office Towers located at 8631 and 8635 W. 3rd St.
