[Reducing radiation dosage with modern DSA equipment].

PURPOSE

In angiographic and interventional procedures the often long fluoroscopy times add a great deal to the total patient dose. The new Multistar T.O.P. (Siemens) is equipped with various features for dose reduction. In this study pulsed fluoroscopy was tested versus standard continuous fluoroscopy and supervisions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fluoroscopy with 3, 7.5, and 15 pulses/s in the Multistar T.O.P. were compared to standard fluoroscopy and to reduced-dose supervision in a human pelvic phantom. The skin entry dose and pelvic dose were continuously registered.

RESULTS

The supervision mode used 58% of the dose used in continuous fluoroscopy. Pulsed fluoroscopy with 15 pulses/s required 54%, 7.5 pulses/s 27% and 3 pulses/s. These provide adequate image quality with only 10% of the standard dose.

CONCLUSIONS

It was possible to save up to 90% of the fluoroscopy dose in interventions and angiographies when using the new pulsed fluoromodes available in the Multistar T.O.P.