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3D Rotational Angiography (3DRA) — also known as rotational DSA or cone-beam CT angiography — is an advanced form of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) that acquires a series of angiographic images during a rotational sweep of the C-arm around the patient following contrast injection, then reconstructs these into three-dimensional volumetric images of the vasculature.
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It provides CT-like cross-sectional and 3D views of vessels with high spatial and temporal resolution, enabling precise vascular mapping, aneurysm characterization, and interventional guidance.
The result:
Core equation:
$$ 3DRA = \text{Rotational DSA Acquisition} + \text{3D Cone-Beam Reconstruction} $$
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Biplane or flat-panel angiography system | High frame rate (15–30 fps) rotational acquisition |
| Contrast injector | Timed bolus synchronized with rotation |
| Flat-panel detector (FPD) | Captures high-resolution 2D projections |
| Workstation | Performs 3D reconstruction and rendering (within 10–30 sec) |
| Software tools | Vessel segmentation, measurement, virtual stent/coil planning |
| Parameter | Typical Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Rotation arc | 180–240° |
| Rotation time | 4–6 seconds |
| Frame rate | 15–30 fps |
| Contrast volume | 10–30 mL (arterial injection) |
| Reconstruction time | 10–30 seconds |
| Voxel size (resolution) | 0.15–0.3 mm |
| Radiation dose | ~0.2–0.5 mSv (less than CT angiography) |
Contrast injection and rotation are synchronized — imaging starts 1–2 seconds after contrast bolus reaches target vessel.