[Improved rapid sequence fluorescein angiography for retinal circulation studies (author's transl)]

Investigations of the initial phase of the angiogram and measurements of retinal circulation times require a rapid sequence angiography. Although almost all of the available cameras allow for 2 or 3 exposures per second, such rapid sequence angiograms are not performed routinely. Especially the patient's stress from 2 or 3 flashes per second is considerable making these investigations very difficult. We have introduced 3 modifications of the regular technique of rapid sequence angiography that greatly facilitate the procedure so that large numbers of patients can easily be investigated in clinical routine. 1. The regular fixation target in the Zeiss fundus camera has been replaced by a special diaphragm (Fig. 1) which will exclude part of the fundus from exposure to light. This way pictures are taken only of the disc and the peripapillary area which are most important for circulation studies. After completion of the rapid sequence the diaphragm can easily be removed and further pictures taken of regular size. 2. The fluorescein is injected by means of an automatic injector (Fig. 2) in order to obtain a concentrated dye bolus. 3. The sequence of the angiogram is controlled by an electronic timer (Fig. 3 a and b). The photographer can thus fully concentrate on the camera adjustment without worrying about dye injection or triggering the camera. The perfect standardisation obtained will facilitate the measurement of different circulation parameters later on the film.