Vascular Imaging Clinical Protocols: Direct Venography














New York University School of Medicine Department of Radiology
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Vascular Imaging Clinical Protocols

Direct Gadolinium-Venography

Last updated: 7/3/2001

This technique is rarely done today, but is most often used for subclavian vein studies

Very dilute contrast is used (1cc Gadolinium contrast (*) in 50cc saline); this is to be injected in the side of interest

Try to put the IV as distal as possible in the extremity of interest. If the deep venous system of the extremity is of interest, a distal tourniquet may be helpful (applied just before contrast administration).

Phased-array coil placed over area of interest. If the study is for the subclavian vein, make sure the coil covers some of neck base to check for jugular vein involvement.

Sequence	Plane	Comment	Film #
DB Haste	Ax ± Cor		2
TrueFISP	Ax ± Cor		0
TOF	Ax	Optional. As indicated.	1
Sat up / down	Ax	Optional. As indicated. (E.g. through the neck in subclavian cases.)	1
3D FLASH	Cor	Adjust plane as needed. 1 measure.	0
		NO TIMING RUN	0
3D FLASH	Cor	3 measures (typically 25 sec gaps) Inject 4 0cc of mix at 0.5cc/sec. NO FLUSH.	0
3D FLASH	Cor	Repeat 3D with 1 measure Inject the remaining 10cc of mix at 0.5cc/sec. NO FLUSH.	0
VIBE	Ax or Sag	1 measure through veins of interest. This can save the case if the venogram doesn’t come out well.	0
MIP		Subtract if needed. Use the phase with the best venous opacification.	2

(*) The use of gadolinium contrast material for these applications represents off-label usage in the U.S. Outside the U.S., please consult your country's regulations for local guidelines.

NOTE: These protocols apply to Siemens Symphony (with Quantum gradients) and Sonata systems. While they reflect the protocols used at NYU Medical Center, NYU is not responsible for their application elsewhere.