The role of radiographer during MR angiography

The role of radiographer during MR angiography Objectives: The thesis and the tutorial CD provide information on the magnetic resonance angiography {--} MRA. Due to upgraded hardware and software and the non-invasive character of the examination the method is currently the most common form of the imaging of flowing blood in vessels. It is essential for a radiographer to acquire comprehensive knowledge of the basic principles and techniques of MRA. The objective of my thesis was to find out if the method can be used not only for a high-quality imaging of the arteries but also for subsequent therapeutical procedures. Methodology: The research was conducted with 106 patients (66 men and 40 women) whose lower limb arteries had been tested by MRA between 1 January and 31 December 2007 at the Multiscan RC Pardubice. I determined the number of patients who had undergone a therapeutical procedure after the MRA test (operations on arteries, percutaneous transluminal angioplastics) and assessed to what degree the MRA examination had been sufficient for the surgery. Results: In 91 % out of 46 patients indicated for therapeutical procedures the results obtained by MRA enabled other treatment or a surgical procedure. Only in 9 % patients the results obtained by MRA were not sufficient for other medical treatment and suplementary examinations such as the diagnostic digital subtraction angiography were necessary. Conclusions: MRA is a non-invasive medical diagnostic technique to visualize the blood in vessels which provide satisfactory accuracy without exposing the patient to any ionizing radiation. The results are used for other treatments. Radiographers who master the MRA techniques avoid mistakes that might devalue the test. Key words: digital subtraction angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, percutaneous transluminal angioplastics, radiographer {--} radiologic technologist