Radiation exposure during angiography might be decreased if radiologists can view the images on wide screens.
Wide display monitor to view angiography images lowers radiation exposure to patients and care providers during single-plane procedures, according to a study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.
The author, from The Johns Hopkins Hospital, in Baltimore, MD, tested two monitor configurations, equipped with a single 56-inch (142-cm) configurable monitor and 30 × 40 inch (76 × 102 cm) flat-panel detectors, standard and wide display settings, to view a standard abdominal and pelvic phantom in a biplane angiography suite.
The author used a 10-second fixed subtracted radiographic sequence with a variable frame rate setting: four seconds at two frames and six seconds at one frame for a total of 14 images per acquisition.
The imaging sequence was repeated at a variety of different zoom levels:
• Zoom 0, 48 cm
• Zoom 1, 42 cm
• Zoom 2, 32 cm
• Zoom 3, 22 cm
• Zoom 4, 16 cm
• Zoom 5, 11 cm
The results showed that radiation significantly increased each time magnification was increased, but when the images were displayed in wide format, they could be viewed with a lower zoom level and lower radiation dose. “An increase in magnification from zoom 1 to zoom 5 yielded an increase in reference point air Kerma of approximately 520 percent without collimation and 425 percent with collimation,” the author wrote.
Low magnification allows for lower radiation dose during imaging, but viewing at low magnification isn’t practical with standard sized screens, the author noted. By using a larger screen, using lower magnification is possible.
MRI Workflow Adjustments Lead to Nearly 35 Percent Decline in Exam Delays for Sedated Patients
June 20th 2024Targeting improvements in workflow, patient consent protocols and adherence to scheduled exam times, researchers noted significant reductions in 15-minute and 30-minute delays with MRI exams for patients who required sedation or general anesthesia.
Essential Keys to MRI Safety in the Age of Advanced Diagnostics
June 6th 2024As ongoing advances continue to redefine and elevate the diagnostic capabilities of MRI, ensuring the safety of patients and operators through effective signage, training and regular safety audits is of paranount importance.