Clinical evaluation and application of cardiac laboratory high-definition video systems

This study evaluated a new high line rate (1,023-line) high band-width (10 MHz) system, compared it to our high-definition, 525-line video system, and compared both video systems to 35-mm cine angiography in 117 patients undergoing clinically indicated coronary angiography. The subjective image quality of the 1,023-line video system was not significantly better than that of the 525-line system. High line rate, high band-width systems may have theoretical advantages, but the increased noise level under clinical angiographic conditions reduces their diagnostic quality. Comparison between video (all modes) and cine images resulted in cine being rated as the best modality, but the differences were slight. Radiation levels required for video imaging, however, were significantly less than those required for cine recording. Current clinical and computer interactive uses of video systems in the cardiac laboratory are described. The eventual role and potential replacement of cine recording by video tape systems will depend on continued developments in video recording techniques.