Influence of grid control and object detection on radiation exposure and image quality using mobile C-arms - first results.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which the image quality on mobile C-arms can be improved by an innovative exposure rate control system (grid control). In addition, the possible dose reduction in the pulsed fluoroscopy mode using 25 pulses/sec produced by automatic adjustment of the pulse rate through motion detection was to be determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As opposed to conventional exposure rate control systems, which use a measuring circle in the center of the field of view, grid control is based on a fine mesh of square cells which are overlaid on the entire fluoroscopic image. The system uses only those cells for exposure control that are covered by the object to be visualized. This is intended to ensure optimally exposed images, regardless of the size, shape and position of the object to be visualized. The system also automatically detects any motion of the object. If a pulse rate of 25 pulses/sec is selected and no changes in the image are observed, the pulse rate used for pulsed fluoroscopy is gradually reduced. This may decrease the radiation exposure. The influence of grid control on image quality was examined using an anthropomorphic phantom. The dose reduction achieved with the help of object detection was determined by evaluating the examination data of 146 patients from 5 different countries.

RESULTS

The image of the static phantom made with grid control was always optimally exposed, regardless of the position of the object to be visualized. The average dose reduction when using 25 pulses/sec resulting from object detection and automatic down-pulsing was 21 %, and the maximum dose reduction was 60 %.

CONCLUSION

Grid control facilitates C-arm operation, since optimum image exposure can be obtained independently of object positioning. Object detection may lead to a reduction in radiation exposure for the patient and operating staff.