The innovations introduced by digital subtraction angiography in digital radiography are briefly illustrated with the description of its components and functioning. The pros and cons of digital subtraction angiography are analyzed in light of present and future imaging technologies. In particular, among advantages there are: automatic exposure, digital image subtraction, digital post-processing, high number of images per second, possible changes in density and contrast. Among disadvantages there are: small round field of view, geometric distortion at the image periphery, high sensitivity to patient movements, not very high spatial resolution. At present, flat panel detectors represent the most suitable substitutes for digital subtraction angiography, with the introduction of novel solutions for those artifacts which for years have hindered its diagnostic validity. The concept of temporal artifact, reset light and possible future evolutions of this technology that may afford both diagnostic and protectionist advantages, are analyzed.