[Status of the technic of angiography procedures]

Angiocardiography continues to expand inspite of competitive non-invasive imaging techniques (echocardiography, CT, nuclear magnetic resonance). Only angiography yields images of sufficient spatial and temporal resolution as they are needed for coronary diagnostic work and interventional catheter therapy. Angiographic systems are mono- or biplane with high degree of mobility and flexibility for oblique and angulated projections. Currently available systems do not fulfill the requirements. Image resolution and contrast are today satisfactory, however, still not sufficient for interventional techniques. Only digital image processing will allow further improvement, thereby enhancing contrast and detail while reducing radiation dose (pulsed, high-contrast fluoroscopy, on-line image processing). Cine-filming seems not needed in all cases. In the future, angiocardiography will hardly be needed for study of cardiac chambers, valves or great vessels. Instead, specialized systems of extreme mobility and flexibility with high resolution and digital image processing for image improvement and documentation, radiation reduction for coronary and general arterial diagnostic and therapeutic interventions will be developed.