Optimization of beam filtering, kV-mA regulation curve, and image intensifier entrance exposure rate to reduce radiation exposure in angiographic fluoroscopy.
J. Barkhausen et al., Optimization of beam filtering, kV-mA regulation curve, and image intensifier entrance exposure rate to reduce radiation exposure in angiographic fluoroscopy., ROFO-F RONT, 171(5), 1999, pp. 391-395
Citations number
15
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology ,Nuclear Medicine & Imaging
Journal title
ROFO-FORTSCHRITTE AUF DEM GEBIET DER RONTGENSTRAHLEN UND DER BILDGEBENDEN VERFAHREN
Aim of study: Evaluation of radiation exposure and image quality during flu
oroscopy using a new vascular X-ray system. Material and methods: The measu
rements were made on an Integris V 3000 X-ray system with MRC tube and Spec
traBeam technology (Philips Medical Systems, Hamburg). Entrance dose rates
were measured with phantoms for the three fluoroscopy levels (1-3) which di
ffered with regard to beam filtering and image intensiver entrance exposure
rate. We evaluated 132 diagnostic and interventional angiographic studies.
The angiographic investigators were asked to start with level 1 and to cha
nge to the next fluoroscopy level only in the case of insufficient image qu
ality. Results: Entrance dose rate is reduced by approx. 74% at fluoroscopy
level 1 and by approx. 46% at level Z relative to level 3 which is compara
ble to angiographic X-ray systems without MRC tube and SpectraBeam technolo
gy. Because level 1 ensured a sufficient image quality in 92% of the diagno
stic and 60% of the interventional angiographic procedures a change to high
er fluoroscopy levels was not necessary. Conclusion: Reduction of the inten
sifier exposure rate and the optimization of beam filtering enabled us to r
educe the radiation exposure considerably. The procedure was well accepted
by the angiographic investigators due to the diagnostically sufficient imag
e quality of the fluoroscopy level 1.