Enhanced K-edge angiography utilizing tantalum plasma X-ray generator in conjunction with gadolinium-based contrast media

The tantalum plasma flash X-ray generator is useful for performing high-speed enhanced K-edge angiography using cone beams because K-series characteristic X-rays from the tantalum target are absorbed effectively by gadolinium-based contrast media. In the flash X-ray generator, a 150 nF condenser is charged up to 80 kV by a power supply, and flash X-rays are produced by the discharging. The X-ray tube is a demountable cold-cathode diode, and the turbomolecular pump evacuates air from the tube with a pressure of approximately 1 mPa. Since the electric circuit of the high-voltage pulse generator employs a cable transmission line, the high-voltage pulse generator produces twice the potential of the condenser charging voltage. At a charging voltage of 80 kV, the estimated maximum tube voltage and current were approximately 160 kV and 40 kA, respectively. When the charging voltage was increased, the K-series characteristic X-ray intensities of cerium increased. The K lines were clean and intense, and hardly any bremsstrahlung rays were detected. The X-ray pulse widths were approximately 100 ns, and the time-integrated X-ray intensity had a value of approximately 300 μGy at 1.0 m from the X-ray source with a charging voltage of 80 kV. Angiography was performed using a filmless computed radiography (CR) system and gadolinium-based contrast media. In the angiography of nonliving animals, we observed fine blood vessels of approximately 100 μm with high contrasts. (author)