Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)

What is Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)?

This examination is used to provide images of the lumen (inner surface) of the blood vessels including the arteries, veins, and the heart chambers. A prominent dye is injected to make the blood supply to the legs, heart or other organs visible. Complex computerised X-Ray machines are used to obtain these images.

Why Do You Need Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)?

This detailed technique is widely used to diagnose a spectrum of blood vessel diseases. It is recommended to get a check up and a proper diagnosis for obstructive vascular diseases that are caused by any blockages or narrowing in the lumen of arteries and veins.

It is possible that your doctor would request for a Digital Subtraction Angiography to diagnose a Brain aneurysm (specifically Intracranial Aneurysm), bleeding vessels, Arteriovenous malformations (abnormal connections between arteries and veins), and to examine the vascularity of cancerous tumours. Also, Angiography provides a visual guide for interventional procedures needed to unblock or re-open occluded arteries such as Angioplasty, Arterial Stent, Nephrostomy and Biliary Procedures.