System for quantitative arteriography

This patent describes an apparatus for monitoring the passage of radiopaque materials in a blood vessel. The apparatus comprises an x-ray source to irradiate the blood vessel; x-ray image collection means to receive an x-ray image including the blood vessel; conversion means to convert the x-ray image into a visible image; collimating means to select a discreet portion of the visible image and produce an elongate field of illumination representative of the blood vessel; a light detecting arrangement to receive the elongate field of illumination and having discrete detectors spaced in a row along the axis of the elongate field. Each has a length at least equal to the width of the elongate field to produce a signal upon impingement by the elongate field. Scanning means scan sequentially and exclusively the detectors and output the signals in series