Some Applications of Electronic Radiography

Abstract

Summary The principal advantages of electronic radiography that have emerged in the course of early clinical experience may be summarised as follows: 1. Instantaneous availability of images for immediate and unhurried examination. 2. Greatly reduced radiation doses to patient and staff per recorded image. Reduced radiation exposure for given resolution and contrast required. Greater freedom to use x‐ray examinations in pregnancy. 3. Increased spatial detail relative to standard spot‐films and normal fluoroscopy. 4. Instantaneous production of arterial maps for selective catheterisation and interventional procedures. 5. Precise positioning of catheters and needles through the combination of live and stored reference images. 6. Reduced time for special procedures; reduced patient trauma; more efficient use of die radiologist's time. 7. Reduction in the total amount of contrast material needed in selective catheterisation, with reduction in the risk of contrast effects. 8. Replacement of life‐sized images by smaller images, with reduction in film, display, filing and retrieval costs. Abstract New television techniques in diagnostic radiology have been developed as a result of the availability of high resolution imaging components. These electronic radiographic techniques record images with higher image quality than conventional films but with much less radiation dose to the patient and personnel. These methods are being developed for pelvimetry, intrauterine transfusion, gastrointestinal examinations, stereotaxic procedures, and selective catheterisation. Reduction in examination time, dosage of contrast media, and patient trauma can be effected, training can be facilitated, and substantial economies achieved.