CT – Angiogram

In lumbar spinal revision surgery, if the patient has had a ventral/anterior/frontal approach, it is very important that we know if an adhesion barrier was used in the prior surgery. If the adhesion barrier was not used, then there is a risk to the vessels (veins) in the area of the operation, if another anterior approach is used again. This is a serious risk, not to be taken lightly, because the vessels can be compromised and severe bleeding will follow. Without the adhesion barrier it is estimated that between 40 and 60 percent of the patients will have developed vessel adhesions from there prior surgery. This adhesion barrier should be applied in both fusion and artificial disc replacement surgery.

Examples of the result of a CT angiogram can be seen below.