The surgical removal of plaque buildup from the interior of an artery. Atheroma: A deposit of plaque on or within the arterial wall. Atherosclerosis: Hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of cholesterol plaque on the interior walls of the arteries. atrial fibrillation
computed tomography (CT) (computerized axial tomography (CAT)) a radiologic imaging modality that uses computer processing to generate an image (CAT scan) of the tissue density in a âsliceâ as thin as 1 to 10 mm in thickness through the patient's body.
Sometimes oral and IV contrast are used to help delineate these structures and add to the radiologist's ability to better define the anatomy and any structural abnormalities. A CT-A (or CT angiogram) is a CT scan that is done to specifically look at certain blood vessels within the body. Intravenous contrast is administered and the images are taken when the contrast is thought to be passing through the vessels of interest.