Digital flashing tomosynthesis: a promising technique for angiocardiographic screening

Abstract

A system for digital flashing tomosynthesis (DFTS) consists of four ECG-gated simultaneously flashed X-ray tubes, a 14-in image intensifier, a unit for digital subtraction angiography (DSA), a PC-hosted transputer network for three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction as well as for quantitative coronary angiography and ventriculography, a display unit, and an individual digital archive. A presentation of DFTS tomoangiograms as a single slice or multiple slices of arbitrary thickness is available. DFTS also offers rotating and stereographic presentation of 3-D images. DFTS represents a system for standardized digital angiocardiography with digital archiving, and assures optimal reproducibility and safety. This system is feasible for both an ambulatory basis to allow high-volume cardiovascular angiographic screening by only one X-ray snapshot, and for quantification of natural progression or potential regression of coronary artery disease resulting from interventional or pharmacological therapy.