CLINICAL-ASSESSMENT OF A NEW STEREOSCOPIC DIGITAL ANGIOGRAPHY SYSTEM

Purpose: To assess the clinical feasibility of an experimental modifie d angiographic system capable of real-time digital stereofluoroscopy a nd stereography in X-ray angiography, using a twin-focus tube and a st ereoscopic monitor. Methods: We report the experience obtained in 37 p atients with a well-documented examination. The patients were examined for coronary angiography (11 cases), aortography (7 cases), pulmonary angiography (6 cases), inferior vena cava filter placement (2 cases), and cerebral angiography (II cases). Six radiologists were asked to u se stereoscopic features for fluoroscopy and angiography. A questionna ire was designed to record their subjective evaluation of stereoscopic image quality, ergonomics of the system, and its medical interest. Re sults: Stereofluoroscopy was successfully used in 25 of 37 cases; dipl opia and/or ghost images were reported in 6 cases. It was helpful for aortic catheterization in 10 cases and for selective catheterization i n 5 cases. In stereoangiography, depth was easily and accurately perce ived in 27 of 37 cases; diplopia and/or ghost images were reported in 4 cases. A certain gain in the three-dimensional evaluation of the ana tomy and relation between vessels and lesions was noted. As regards er gonomic considerations, polarized spectacles were not considered cumbe rsome. Visual fatigue and additional work were variously reported. Ste reoshift tuning before X-ray acquisition was not judged to be a limiti ng factor. Conclusion: A twin-focus X-ray tube and a polarized shutter for stereoscopic display allowed effective realtime three-dimensional perception of angiographic images. Our clinical study suggests no cle ar medical interest for diagnostic examinations, but the field of inte rventional radiology needs to be investigated.