Comprehensive evaluation of angiography Equipment: Ensuring precision and compliance in high-precision medical...

This comprehensive study studies the detailed assessment of angiography devices in high-precision medical interventions. Concentrating on geometric parameters, metrology, dosimetry, performance, and image quality, it holds all the requirements and ideals established by the regulatory authority in Costa Rica. The verification was meticulously conducted, encompassing geometrical parameters such as the source-to-skin distance, X-ray beam perpendicularity and centering, image detector input field size, geometric distortion, monitor linearity, and alignment of the radiation field with the detector's field of view.The results confirmed that the equipment fully complies with the stringent requirements established by regulatory standards. Operationally, the system was evaluated at different peak kilovoltage (kVp) settings -60 kVp, 80 kVp, 90 kVp, and 110 kVp-in pulsed fluoroscopy mode, with precisely defined pulse durations and frequencies. The performance evaluation included analysis of output consistency (μGy·m²/mAs), tube current (mA) and time (s), as well as additional non-invasive tests on the generator. The results demonstrated stable performance within permissible limits. The assessment also covered peak kilovoltage accuracy and beam filtration, confirming compliance with applicable regulatory standards. Image quality was critically evaluated, with particular attention to the presence of artifacts and spatial resolution, which remained within the established acceptable thresholds. Additionally, a radiometric study was conducted to illustrate the distribution of the radiation field around the examination table and other areas of interest. This complementary analysis reinforces the overall evaluation of the angiography system, providing assurance of its clinical suitability and operational safety. The specific findings indicate that the pulse duration and pulse rate were 133.7 ms and 4 pulses per second, respectively. These values will serve as the reference standard for a future angiographic operating under similar conditions, with a beam filtered by 4.9 mm Al. The measured dose output was 49.3 μGy m²/mAs, with a maximum deviation of 3.9 %. The peak kilovoltage showed a deviation of only 0.7 %. Image quality was free of artifacts, with a measured spatial resolution (line pairs per millimeter) of 5 lp/mm and a detection threshold of 2.5 lp/mm. Overall image uniformity reached 96 %. A radiation field distribution map accurately depicts the spatial characteristics of the room. In summary, the results demonstrate that this equipment not only meets but, in some aspects, exceeds established standards of practice, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evaluation in this field.