Computed tomographic angiography allows accurate planning of the setting and technique of open and percutaneous vascular interventions

Background Vascular surgeons can offer patients with arterial and venous disorders a multitude of endovascular and surgical options. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) has the potential to allow the development of an effective interventional strategy without subjecting patients to invasive diagnostic testing. Methods A prospectively maintained database was reviewed comprising 6 consecutive months of arterial and venous procedures performed using an algorithm emphasizing CTA supplemented with other noninvasive imaging. Results Eighty-five patients underwent 90 arterial or venous procedures, the majority of which were based on CTA. Preprocedure plans matched a successful intervention in 35 of 40 (88%) procedures performed in the interventional suite, and 48 of 49 (98%) procedures performed in the surgical suite. Two of 40 patients treated initially in the interventional suite eventually required a surgical vascular procedure. The majority of procedures were therapeutic (86%) rather than diagnostic (14%). Conclusions An algorithm using CTA and supplemented with other noninvasive imaging allows safe and effective planning for open surgical and endovascular procedures.