Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)

Through the use of computers and a specialized x-ray unit, the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination allows us to produce pictures of the arteries or veins in various parts of the body.  The examination requires the use of a liquid contrast material, which is injected into either a vein (Intravenous DSA, IV DSA) or an artery (Intra-arterial DSA, IA DSA).

Ordinarily, x-rays pass through the blood vessels of the body without producing a picture.  Contrast medium (dye) is used to allow your arteries to show up clearly on x-ray films.  The computer "sorts out" the images of the arteries by "subtracting" or eliminating from the completed picture everything except the dye-filled arteries.  The advantage of this "Digital Subtraction" technique is that this exam can routinely be done on an out-patient basis using very small amounts of contrast medium to obtain quality images.