Technical consideration for a new X-ray video progressive scanning system for cardiac catheterization.

The widespread growth of interventional angiographic procedures has expanded the use of X-ray video systems. Reduced radiation exposure to the patient and staff has been recently reported by implementing a new pulsed progressive scanning video system. We have shown that this system, which enables the pulsing of the X-ray generator at 30 pulses per second, results in a 50% reduction in radiation exposure. The technical parameters and implementation of a progressive scanning video system are discussed. Image quality, temporal and spatial resolution, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were assessed using conventional interlaced and progressive video scanning. These comparisons documented improved resolution, no degradation of ejection fraction measurements, improved clinical images, and a 1.0-dB improvement in the SNR with the progressive scanning. Progressive scanning video systems reduce radiation exposure and provide an objective improvement in image quality over conventional scanning video systems.