Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography

Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography

Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography (commonly abbreviated as IV-DSA) is a fluoroscopy technique that can be successfully employed in cases of interventional radiology in order to help the medical provider get a clear view of the blood vessels that are located in a dense soft tissue or a bony environment. All patients should also know that IV-DSA (Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography) has also been successfully used in the assessment of certain individuals prior to surgery and also after a patient has undergone coronary artery bypass surgery; furthermore, patients who had undergone certain types of transplant medical procedures have also undergone IV-DSA.

As you probably already know, DSA is mainly employed to produce clear images of the patient’s blood vessels. This is why it is very helpful in the diagnosis and also in the therapy course of the following medical conditions: venous and arterial occlusion (this also includes acute limb ischaemia, pulmonary embolism, carotid artery stenosis, etc), arterial stenosis, arterio-venous malformations (a condition abbreviated as AVM) and cerebral aneurysms. However, you should always keep in mind that your main medical provider may ask you to undergo this type of clinical procedure (Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography) for a reason that we did not list in this chapter. If you are interested in acquiring further medical facts concerning the way in which this type of angiography can help you, you should contact your PD.

Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography Description

A widely employed abbreviation for Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography is IV-DSA. This common form of angiography was developed for the first time in the late ’70s. The technique that is employed in this type of medical procedure is quite easy to understand. A computer is used in order to compare an x-ray image of a certain region of the patient’s body before and after he or she is injected (intravenously) a special substance – a radiopaque Iodine based dye. The computer digitally subtracts the blood vessels and the tissues from the second x-ray, leaving a clear image of the artery (hence the medical term of “digital subtraction angiography”; from this moment, the artery can be easily studied alone, isolated from the other structures of the patient’s organism.

Studies have demonstrated that this medical technique is not recommended in the case of patients who have been diagnosed with the presence of renal insufficiency or with that of diabetes; the reason for this contra-indication is that the radiopaque Iodine based dye load is higher than the one that is generally employed in arteriography. In any case, undergoing Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography has proven to be highly efficient in the studying of the patient’s heart and brain blood vessels; the use of this medical technique has been able to detect the abnormal obstruction of the carotid artery and has also helped to map the patient’s cerebral patterns of blood flow. Furthermore, numerous medical professionals from all over the world constantly employ this medical procedure in order to help them set a clear diagnosis in the case of patients who are suspected to suffer form lesions of his or her carotid arteries (this type of medical condition can lead to the development of strokes).

With the help of a highly sophisticated radiographic unit, attached to a high-tech computer, the physician can obtain through Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography multiple projections of the same body region, all at a very high speed (approximately 12.5 frames per second) all from 90° to 90°. The images that have been produced (the 2D pictures) can be re-constructed with the help of a dedicated 3D-workstation which is able to yield great 3D anatomical details. This special medical technique provides a Rotational Angiogram.

Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography Related Medication

In this chapter we intend to familiarize you with some of the most commonly used medical products / clinical substances which can be employed in relation with this medical technique. However, all patients must be aware of the fact that the information that we will provide here is not complete; those who are interested in professional facts concerning this matter should seek further medical advice from a qualified clinical provider.

The main medical substance that is administered to patients who want to undergo Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography is Ioversol. This medical product belongs to a wide group of medicines known as radiopaque contrast agents (this product contains Iodine, and because Iodine is able to absorb x-rays). The use of radiopaque contrast agents is employed in order to allow non-bony tissues (such as organs, blood vessels, and so on) to be clearly seen on an x-ray examination (a radiologic examination). However, the use of this product is associated with certain contra-indications. For example, patients who are suffering from any type of infection should not be permitted to be administered Ioversol (or any of its derivatives). Furthermore, individuals who suffering from hay fever, asthma or a medical history of drug or food allergies should not be allowed to use Ioversol.

All patients who are to receive a dose of Ioversol and then to undergo Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography should drink extra fluids, as the administration of this medical product can lead to dehydration – this medical condition can severely affect the patient’s kidneys. You should refer to your main medical prescriber and ask him or her to give you further information or instructions concerning the amount and the types of fluids that you should drink both before and after you receive Ioversol (before and after you undergo Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography).

Ioversol is generally administered as an intravenous injection in a special medical center; you will be administered the medication by a specialized medical provider (a nurse or a physician). You should discuss with your PD and ask him or her to provide you with further professional information concerning both the risks and the benefits that are associated with the administration of Ioversol (one of the substances most employed for Intravenous Digital Subtraction Angiography). He or she will surely be more than happy to assist you in whatever you need.