Simultaneous bi-plane digital video-fluoroscopy

A prototype system for digital subtraction angiography that is capable of acquiring digitized video-fluoroscopic images simultaneously from both anterior and lateral imaging chains of a conventional bi-plane system was developed. A hardware module that takes images from both the anterior and lateral video cameras and displays them both on a single video image prior to digitization was designed and constructed. The three-dimensional information provided by a digital bi-plane images should improve the accuracy of cardiac-ventricular function studies. In addition, bi-plane imaging should reduce the need for additional views and the associated repeated injections of contrast media. With this technique, digital bi-plane imaging can be carried out with commercially available systems without duplication of the digital-processing chain.