Development of DIGITEXαPlus digital angiographic system

The functions required of digital angiographic (DA) systems have been noticeably changing with the recent popularization of the technique of interventional radiology (IVR) in the field of angiography. We have developed a new digital angiographic system, named the DIGITEXαPlus, which is designed to meet the requirements of the latest IVR technologies. The DIGITEXαPlus system is equipped with a high-performance one-million-pixel CCD camera, a newly developed F.P.O. (fluoro-power optimizer), and a contrast-priority radiography control system, which combine together to provide high quality of images both in fluoroscopy and in fluorography. In this new system, a low-dose pulsed fluoroscopy method, employed as standard, minimizes the X-ray doses to patients, and an image controller (IVR MASTER) of a joy stick type provides more diversified functions that its predecessors. These two features enhance the reliability, and simplifies the operation, of the IVR system as a whole. (author)