[Intravenous digital subtraction angiography of the lower extremities combined with step translation (2-field DSA)]

We evaluated a bolus-chase technique designed to reduce the volume of contrast material and to shorten examination time during intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IV-DSA) of the lower limbs. With this technique, after a single injection of contrast material, two contiguous fields can be sequentially imaged (two-field DSA) using a step translated x-ray tube. 67 patients with peripheral vascular disease were studied. All examinations provided diagnostic information, so that in no instance additional intra-arterial injections were required. With the two-field DSA only 3.49 injections were needed in the average for five fields examined in each patient, resulting in a 30% reduction of contrast agent used.