The Role of DSA in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Tumors

Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) is a high-resolution, real-time vascular imaging technique that plays a central role in the diagnosis and interventional treatment of liver tumors. Its ability to provide detailed visualization of vascular structures supports precise clinical decision-making throughout the patient care pathway. The following are the key applications of DSA in the management of liver tumors.

I. Diagnosis and Pre-Treatment Planning

DSA enables clear visualization of the hepatic arterial anatomy, allowing for accurate identification of tumor-feeding arteries and detection of vascular variations. By analyzing the characteristics of tumor blood supply, DSA helps assess the degree of vascularity and tumor extent, providing essential information for individualized treatment planning.

II. Precise Guidance During Interventional Procedures

DSA serves as an indispensable guidance tool in interventional therapies for liver tumors:

Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE): DSA provides real-time guidance for superselective catheterization of tumor-feeding arteries, ensuring precise delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and embolic materials to the target lesion while preserving healthy liver tissue.

Radioembolization (TARE): With DSA-guided positioning, radioactive microspheres are accurately infused into the tumor's blood supply, maximizing local therapeutic effect while minimizing systemic exposure.

Ablation Support: DSA can be used in combination with other imaging modalities to assist in precise needle placement during thermal or chemical ablation procedures, enhancing both safety and accuracy.

III. Post-Treatment Evaluation and Follow-Up

DSA allows for immediate post-procedural assessment by confirming the occlusion of targeted vessels, thereby evaluating technical success. During long-term follow-up, DSA aids in the early detection of tumor residue, recurrence, or progression, informing subsequent treatment decisions.

IV. Advantages of Minimally Invasive Treatment

DSA-guided interventional therapies offer significant advantages over traditional surgery, including reduced trauma, shorter recovery time, and fewer complications. These benefits contribute to improved treatment experience and quality of life for patients with liver tumors.