Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography

Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography

In this chapter of our medical presentation we aim to familiarize you with some of the most common purposes for which one may undergo this medical procedure (Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography). Most of you are already common with the medical term “angiography”; it refers to a widely known medical procedure which can be employed in order to produce x-ray images of the inside of the patient’s blood vessels. In case the patient’s blood vessels are abnormally narrowed, blocked, damaged, and so on, numerous severe clinical problems (this includes life-threatening conditions, such as stroke) can arise. With the help of angiography, the patient’s health care provider is able to accurately determine the source of the patient’s problem and also to see the extent of damage to the examined blood vessels. This medical technique (Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography) is able to yield accurate x-ray images with the help of which, the patient’s health care provider is able to detect any abnormalities of the brain vessels. It is important to know that the results of this medical procedure have proven to be much more accurate that those of carotid Doppler. In general, this medical technique is employed after another clinical test has indicated that the patient is suffering from a certain type of blood vessel abnormality. Furthermore, Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography can also be employed to help the physician detect and diagnose other conditions, especially acute stroke. It is impossible to obtain the images of IADSA though another medical technique.

It is important for all patients to know that their main medical provider may ask them to undergo this clinical procedure (Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography) due to certain reasons that have not been listed in this guide. You must always follow your PD’s instructions; if you have further questions about the way in which you would benefit from undergoing this medical examination, you should contact your personal medical provider and ask him or her for the necessary additional explanations.

Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography Description

Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography is also known as cerebral angiography; a common abbreviation for this medical procedure is IADSA. In this clinical technique, a long, flexible, thin tube (called a catheter) is inserted into one of the patient’s arteries (located either in the leg or in the arm). With the help of this catheter, the medical specialist injects the patient with a special dye that will eventually reach the brain.

Before the patient undergoes this type of medical procedure, he or she will be asked to remove all jewelry and all clothing and put on a special hospital gown. The individual will be administered a local anesthetic at the place where the catheter will be applied. The health care specialist will position the catheter (the tube) within the patient’s carotid arteries; though this tube, he or she will be injected the needed amount of the contrast dye. Some patients have reported the presence of a feeling of warmness during the injection of the contrast dye. After the substance has been administered, the patient will have to undergo some x-rays of the brain. Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography generally lasts for 1-2 hours; you will be awake and conscious during the entire medical procedure.

You may be curious about the main risks that this type of medical procedure can involve; although certain individuals have complained of discomfort and / or pain during the placement of the thin tube (the catheter), this issue can be solved through the administration of an anesthetic. With Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography there is a risk of stroke (due to the catheter). In rare cases, the catheter breaks off plaque, which can then block a smaller blood vessel from the brain, thus leading to stroke. If you want to know more about the risks and benefits that are commonly associated with this medical technique you should refer to your PD.

Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography Related Medication

One of the most common contrast agents that are employed during Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography is called Ioversol. For this reason, in this chapter we will try to present to you the most important pieces of information that any patient who will undergo cerebral angiography should know about. Like all other contrast agents, Ioversol contains Iodine (it is a known fact that this substance is able to absorb x-rays); the administration of Ioversol allows non-bony tissues (this includes organs, blood vessels, and so on) to be seen much more clearly on x-ray (radiologic) examinations.

In general, this product is administered as an intra-venous injection. The patient will receive the needed amount of Ioversol in a hospital setting or in a clinic; the administration of this substance must be performed or at least supervised by a well-trained medical professional. It is important to drink extra fluids both before and after you receive a dose of this substance; as the administration of Ioversol can trigger dehydration (this is a severe medical condition that can severely affect the patient’s kidneys) this aspect must not be neglected. You should know that the administration of this substance can affect the results of certain thyroid tests.

Although Ioversol is commonly administered to patients who are to undergo Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography, this medical substance can trigger certain unpleasant adverse manifestations. The most common of them include: convulsions, severe muscle weakness / pain, nausea, trouble urinating, chest pain, fainting, wheezing, easy bruising, skin changes, abnormal bleeding, swelling, fainting, lightheadedness, headache, skin redness / rash, and so on. In case any of these clinical manifestations become unbearable it is important to report them as soon as possible to your main medical professional. You must always keep in mind that we have not listed all the side effects that can be associated with the administration of Ioversol (prior to Intra-arterial Digital Subtraction Angiography); for more complete information concerning this matter please refer to your PD, your local pharmacist or to a nurse. You should also ask your medical professional if your administration of this medical substance can interact with any other clinical products.