Digital tomosynthesis: technique modifications and clinical applications for neurovascular anatomy

Digital tomosynthesis studies (DTS) using a linear tomographic motion can provide good quality clinical images when combined with subtraction angiotomography. By modifying our hardware system and the computer software algorithms, we were able to reconstruct tomosynthesis images using an isocentric rotation (IR) motion. Since this is the motion used by C-arm and U-arm angiographic units, these modifications allow for the use of DTS studies in most modern angiographic suites at a reasonable cost. Applying a combination of linear tomographic and IR techniques in clinical cases, we performed DTS studies in six patients, five with aneurysms and one with a hypervascular tumor. The results showed detailed definitions of the pathologic entities and the regional neurovascular anatomy. Based on this early experience, DTS would seem to be a useful technique for the preoperative surgical planning of vascular abnormalities.