Frequently Asked Questions
What is Digital Subtraction Angiography?
An Angiography is a radiological study to examine the blood vessels of the body after introducing a contrast dye. Subtraction simply eliminates the bone and cartilage structure from the view of the blood vessels hence known as Digital Subtraction Angiography. A fluoroscopic digital image is when combined with injection dye and real-time subtraction is Digital Subtracted Angiography image.
What are the three conditions for Digital Subtraction Angiography to work?
- Scout film
- Angiogram field contrast
- No motion of the head
What are the indications for Digital Subtraction Angiography?
Digital Subtraction Angiography is used for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes as follows:
- Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Arterial laceration or dissection
- Aneurysm
- Pseudoaneurysm
- Thrombosis
- Arterio-venous malformation
- Arterio-venous fistula
- Tumor vascularity
- Embolism
- Stenting
- Thrombolysis
- Thrombectomy
How is Digital Subtraction Angiography performed?
- Sedation may be given during the procedure to reduce anxiety.
- The heart rate, rhythm, breathing, and oxygen saturation are continuously monitored throughout the procedure.
- After administration of local anesthesia, a small incision is made and a catheter is inserted into the blood vessel. Fluoroscopy is given to guide the needle in the proper direction inside the vessel.
- When the needle is in the correct position, then the needle is removed and the dye is injected into the bloodstream.
- Images are acquired during contrast injection.
When is Digital Subtraction Angiography contra-indicated?
There may be few contraindications and they are:
- Poor renal reserve
- Deranged coagulogram
- Allergic to contrast media