How does digital subtraction angiography work?

Provides an image of the blood vessels in the brain to detect a problem with blood flow. The procedure involves inserting a catheter (a small, thin tube) into an artery in the leg and passing it up to the blood vessels in the brain.

What is the application digital subtraction angiography?

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a fluoroscopic technique used extensively in interventional radiology for visualizing blood vessels. Radiopaque structures such as bones are eliminated (“subtracted”) digitally from the image, thus allowing for an accurate depiction of the blood vessels.

What are the benefits of digital subtraction angiography?

Although DSA is less cost-effective than conventional fluoroscopy is, this case report shows clear benefits of performing the nerve blocks with DSA in patients with radiodense structures. The advantages are increased accuracy of the needle position and a better distinguishable contrast flow.

Is digital subtraction angiography invasive?

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is still considered the “gold standard” in vascular imaging. However, DSA is an invasive procedure associated with risk of complications, 1% overall incidence of neurologic deficit and 0.5% incidence of persistent deficit.

What is the basic principle of DSA?

In DSA, the initial image from an angiographic sequence is stored in memory. The subsequent images are subtracted from this image and displayed as a continuous display on a video monitor. This enables a complete monitoring of the examination as it is in progress.

What is the difference between DSA and CTA?

CTA is the first line imaging technique for the patients presented with spontaneous SAH in most of the cases with a sensitivity of 89% in the detection and delineation of cerebral aneurysms. DSA remains the gold standard in evaluating patients with cerebral aneurysms where the initial CTA is negative.

What contrast is used in DSA?

Most contrast agents used in digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are non-ionic iodinated contrast agents, which can cause severe side effects in patients with contraindications for iodine or allergic reactions to iodine.

What is the subtraction technique in radiology?

How long does a DSA angiography take?

Angiography is done in a hospital X-ray or radiology department. It usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, and you can usually go home the same day.

How long does digital subtraction angiography take?

It could be anything between 30 minutes and 3 hours. The DSA staff will be able to tell you in more detail as the test progresses.