Analysis of image quality and dose for interventional procedures: Allura Xper vs Clarity

Abstract

Introduction At Leiden University Medical Center ∼ 1800 complex interventional procedures are performed yearly, on an AlluraXper FD20 (Philips) interventional X-ray system. The system was recently upgraded to Clarity which claims to provide high quality images at a lower patient dose compared to the previous setting. Purpose To compare the image quality and dose of the AlluraXper system before and after the Clarity upgrade. Materials and methods The measurements were performed using the default clinical fluoroscopy modes. For the low dose mode, a lower pulse rate is used in clinical practice. Scatter dose was measured using an anthropomorphic phantom and a Keithley 600cc ion chamber at the radiologists’ position. The Leeds TOR-18FG phantom combined with 28 × 28 × 25 cm3 PMMA was used for image quality assessment. ImageJ was used for image analysis. Results For one of the most frequently used FOV (37 cm), staff dose was reduced between 30% and 40% after upgrade. The modulation transfer function (MTF) improved after Clarity upgrade. For the low dose mode, and FOV 37 cm, MTF50% was 1.5 cy/mm and 1.8 cy/mm, and MTF10% was 2.6 cy/mm and 2.7 cy/mm. For the medium dose mode, and FOV 37 cm, MTF50% was 1.6 cy/mm and 1.8 cy/mm, and MTF10% was 2.3 cy/mm and 2.4 cy/mm. The settings for the dose modes are not the same before and after upgrade. In an initial cohort of 100 patients, analysis of the dose reports showed a reduction up to 30% in dose-area-product after the Clarity upgrade. Conclusion The Clarity upgrade results in staff and patient dose reduction while improving image quality in terms of MTF. Disclosure Nothing to disclose.