IMAGING
Digital Subtracted Angiography
- What is DSA?
- What is DSA used for?
- Preparation for a DSA Procedure
- The Procedure
- After the Procedure
- Useful Brochures
What is DSA?
DSA is a type of X-Ray machine used for taking images of blood vessels and also of soft tissue organs such as the kidneys or the liver. To be able to show these vessels and organs more clearly, a contrast agent (dye) needs to be given.
The machine first takes an image which includes the bones and then when the contrast agent is injected, the machine digitally removes the bones from the images, so that the blood vessels or organ can be seen very clearly.
What is DSA used for?
Any part of the body can be examined using DSA to assist in the diagnosis of medical conditions.
DSA is particularly used for diagnosing:
- Arterial Disease
- Blood vessel malformation
- To confirm a diagnosis, for example, in the case of an aneurysm in the brain
- Taking Liver biopsies
- Spinal disc problems
It can also be used to carry out treatment to improve a medical condition:
- Angioplasty – stretching of the blood vessels to improve the blood flow
- Stent insertion – which also improves the blood flow
- Embolisation – to stop bleeding as in an aneurysm, to shrink a tumour and to control pain in a tumour
Having treatment in the DSA Suite may mean that you may not need to undergo surgery.
Preparation for a DSA Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you may be asked not to eat and drink for 4 to 6 hours – depending on the type and time of your procedure. You may also be asked not to take some of your medication either for several days before or on the day of your procedure. You will also be encouraged to bring a dressing gown and slippers with you. Most patients only need to stay in the hospital for that day – on rare occasions your visit may include an overnight stay.
You will need to be admitted to the hospital 3 hours before the time of your procedure. Before the procedure is carried out the staff on the ward will take a medical history, take blood tests and prepare you for your visit to the DSA Suite. This includes putting a small needle into a blood vessel, a groin shave and asking you to put on a gown and a pair of paper underpants. If you wear glasses or a hearing aid, you should continue to wear these when you are brought down to the DSA Suite.
The Procedure
You will be escorted to the Angio Suite by the nurse looking after you on the ward. He/she will give the Imaging Nurse a handover report about you. The Imaging Nurse will then take over your care while you are in the Angio Suite and give you support during the procedure.
The Consultant Radiologist will discuss your medical history and the procedure with you, answering any questions, before gaining your consent to carry out the procedure. He or she will explain about potential complications or risks that are involved with your procedure.
For the procedure, you will be asked to lie on a narrow table. Your pulse and blood pressure will be taken regularly and there will be equipment around you. Everything will be explained as each part of the procedure takes place.
You may be given a sedative to help you relax during the procedure.
You will need to keep very still, so that the Radiographer can produce clear images. You may also be asked to hold your breath at certain points during the procedure.
The length of the procedure is dependent on what is requested by your referring Consultant and also what is found once the initial images are taken.
After the Procedure
You will return to your room, again escorted by the nurse who is looking after you on the ward, who will have been given a report on the details of the procedure and how you have been. Instructions will also be given in what care you will need to receive back on the ward.
You will be asked to stay in bed for a length of time dependent on the procedure you have had. This can be for as short a time as an hour but may be as long as 12 hours. You may be asked to keep a leg or an arm still – again dependent on the procedure. You will be able to eat and drink once back on the ward.
Before you are allowed to go home the ward staff will ensure that you are able to care for yourself and that you have all that you need to go home. It is advisable that you have somebody to accompany you.
If your Consultant refers you to the Angio Suite, then his secretary will organise the appointment and your stay in the hospital, but if you would like further details or have any queries, please contact either the Angio Radiographer, the Imaging Sister or the Imaging Staff Nurse on 020 7483 5012.