[Results and experiences with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in traumatic vascular lesions of the thoracic aorta and the supra-aortic branches].

Numerous positive reports on the results obtained with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in x-ray diagnostics in the visualisation of peripheral vascular areas, have been published ever since that method was introduced. From a surgical point of view it has therefore been suggested to extend the indication for vascular visualisation on account of the low invasiveness of venous DSA (vDSA). Only few reports have been published on the suitability of vDSA in traumatic vascular lesions. Whereas Starck and Rauber recommend vDS as a feasible method for the visualisation of traumatic vascular lesions, Galanski and Fiedler continue to postulate the need for arterial DSA (aDSA) in the clarification of degenerative diseases of the supraaortal branches. Conventional angiography has lost some of its importance in traumatic vascular lesions, as Traupe has stated. Our first experiences with vDSA in traumatic vascular lesions have been partly unsatisfactory. This, and the resulting consequences, are described in the present article.