Radiation exposure reduction in peripheral interventions using digital variance angiography versus conventional
Till Schürmann1, Ulrich Beschorner2, Dirk Westermann2
1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany. till.schuermann@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
Scientific Reports
|July 9, 2025
Summary
Digital variance angiography (DVA) significantly reduces radiation dose during endovascular peripheral interventions (EPI). This novel imaging technique also enhances image contrast and reduces noise, improving diagnostic accuracy in lower extremity procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a standard imaging technique for endovascular procedures.
- Concerns exist regarding radiation exposure associated with DSA.
- Digital variance angiography (DVA) has emerged as a potential alternative to reduce radiation dose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of DVA in reducing radiation dose during endovascular peripheral interventions (EPI).
- To assess the impact of DVA on image quality, specifically contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR).
Main Methods:
- The study utilized the DVA imaging tool v6.0 for patients undergoing EPI.
- EPI protocols were adapted to low-dose (EPI-LD) using DVA-LD acquisitions.
- Dose area product (DAP) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured and compared between normal dose (ND) and low-dose (LD) protocols.
Main Results:
- DVA-LD protocols significantly decreased median DAP by 53.8% to 62.0% across different lower extremity regions compared to EPI-ND protocols.
- DVA-LD significantly increased median CNR compared to DSA-LD and was comparable to DSA-ND.
- Image quality was enhanced, with CNR ratios of DVA-LD to DSA-ND ranging from 1.9 to 2.4.
Conclusions:
- Digital variance angiography (DVA) demonstrates significant radiation dose reduction capabilities in lower extremity EPIs.
- DVA enhances image contrast while simultaneously reducing noise, leading to improved image quality.
- DVA represents a promising advancement for safer and more effective endovascular peripheral interventions.
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