The entire procedure is performed under local anesthesia with the patient being fully awake. After injection of a local anesthetic agent at the level of the groin (or wrist), the artery is punctured with a needle.  A  small sheath with a hemostatic valve is then advanced over a guidewire into the artery. The sheath allows for safe vascular access and allows a  thin catheter to be advanced to the blood vessels in the neck under X-ray guidance. Iodine-containing contrast agent is then injected through the catheter, which makes it possible to precisely assess the vessels and blood flow in a specific area of the brain.

In certain cases, a 3D X-ray image can also be acquired, which allows a superimposition-free visualization of the blood vessels in the brain.

At the end of the procedure, the catheter and sheath are removed. The puncture site is compressed for about 10-15 minutes and a compression bandage is applied to prevent bleeding at the access site. Following the procedure, bed rest for at least six hours must be maintained.

After the application of local anesthesia at the level of the access site (groin or wrist), the cerebral angiography is a painless examination. The injection of contrast agents may cause a brief sensation of warmth, dizziness, or a brief flicker in your eyes, which subsides a few seconds after injection.

We also offer outpatient diagnostic cerebral angiography. In outpatient procedures, the patient is  admitted on the morning of the exam.

The vascular access is generally achieved on the right wrist, via the radial artery (alternative: access via the femoral artery). The examination is similar to the one described in detail above. If vascular access is achieved via the wrist, a small air-filled compression bracelet is applied at the level of the wrist at the end of the procedure.
The patient will be observed at our outpatient clinic for 2-4 hours before discharge. During this time, the wrist bracelet will slowly be deflated. If there is no local bleeding at the puncture site, discharge from the hospital is possible in the afternoon or evening. In rare cases, an overnight stay in the hospital may be necessary.