Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography is an examination that allows physicians to visualize the blood flow in arterial and venous vessels around the heart. Computed Tomography (CT) combines the use of x-rays with computerized analysis of the images. Beams of x-rays are passed from a rotating device through the area of interest in the patient's body from several different angles to create cross-sectional images, which then are assembled by computer into a three-dimensional picture of the area being studied.

Compared to catheter angiography, which involves placing a sizable catheter and injecting contrast material into a large artery or vein, CTA is a less invasive and more patient-friendly procedure-contrast material is injected into a small peripheral vein by using a small needle or catheter.

CCTA is commonly used to:

- Identify aneurysms in the aorta or in other major blood vessels.

- Identify dissection in the aorta or its major branches. Dissection means that the layers of the artery wall peel away from each other-like the layers of an onion. Dissection can cause pain and can be life-threatening.