Quality considerations on cine-imaging and PTCA-fluoroscopy anticipating a digital future

Summary

In a modern catheterization laboratory coronary cineangiography, PTCA procedures and digital radiography are performed with one and the same X-ray system. On the basis of an optimization analysis of the image quality using the concepts of window signal-to-noise ratio and equivalent blur, overall performance can roughly be estimated. Some important aspects of a realistic X-ray system design resulting from this analysis have been identified. Specifically, the X-ray loadability and its loading strategy play a crucial role with respect to signal detection sensitivity and the safe, efficient use of X-ray radiation. The analysis shows also that some basic limitations exist to the use of digital substraction techniques for moving objects. Last but not least, it shows that the video camera performance is critical with respect to the imaging tasks during PTCA and digital procedures.