Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)
Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) is a diagnostic medical imaging technique used to visualize blood vessels in detail, particularly in the brain, heart, and peripheral arteries. During DSA, a contrast dye is injected into the bloodstream, and a series of X-ray images are rapidly taken. The initial “mask” image, taken before the dye injection, serves as a baseline. Subsequent images are subtracted from this baseline, highlighting the contrast-filled blood vessels while suppressing surrounding tissues. DSA provides high-resolution, real-time images of blood flow and vessel abnormalities, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment planning for conditions like aneurysms, stenosis, and vascular malformations.