Imaging Tests
Find your care
Our specialists are experts in treating aortic disease. To learn more about our services, call 310-267-7001.
Accurate imaging is very important to the diagnosis and treatment of all aortic disease. Over the last two decades, imaging technology has evolved and expanded to help physicians detect even the smallest changes in the aorta.
The UCLA Aortic Center: Advanced Imaging for Aortic Disease
Quick and accurate aortic imaging is important to successful treatment of aortic disease especially in critical cases where every second counts. Advanced imaging technologies available at the UCLA Aortic Center provide an in-depth view into the anatomy of the aorta, detecting even small changes in blood flow that would otherwise go unnoticed. Cardiologists with expertise in non-invasive cardiac imaging offer same-day imaging studies and consultations for our patients to help with pre-operative evaluation and treatment.
In many cases, imaging technology is also used to help surgeons during aortic operations. UCLA’s operating rooms are outfitted with the latest imaging equipment for the use of our cardiac and vascular surgeons during endovascular repair, fenestrated endovascular repair and hybrid repair of aortic aneurysms.
Types of Imaging Tests at the UCLA Aortic Center
Angiography: The doctor uses a small flexible tube (catheter) to send a contrast dye to the coronary arteries. With X-rays, the doctor can track the flow of the contrast dye through the arteries and aorta to detect blockages.
CT scan: These tests use computers and low doses of radiation to capture reliable images of the aorta. We can also combine CT scans with contrast dye to get higher-resolution images of the aorta.
Duplex ultrasound: This test combines traditional sound wave technology with a Doppler ultrasound. Using an ultrasound wand on the outside of the chest, the doctor tracks the movement and speed of blood flow through the aorta.
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS): With IVUS, the doctor places an ultrasound device inside the artery at the time of angiography to examine the aorta from the inside out. This allows us to view high-definition images of aortic ulcers, aneurysms or dissections.
MRI: This noninvasive scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to obtain highly detailed images. We use advanced MRI techniques to evaluate blood flow in the aorta and branch vessels.