Control of swallowing by use of topical anesthesia during digital subtraction angiography

Involuntary swallowing and other forms of patient motion are the greatest source of image degradation in digital subtraction angiograms of the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries. If a patient gargles with a recommended dose of 2% viscous lidocaine, the urge and ability to swallow are reduced and image quality is improved.