The application of matched filtering to x-ray exposure reduction in digital subtraction angiography: clinical results.

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Abstract
This new digital fluorography processing method of matched filtering generates a set of images that have been acquired at continuous video-frame rates (30/s) over the temporal extent of the bolus (10 s), and it combines them to produce the equivalent of a single digital subtraction angiography (DSA) image. Because of the extensive temporal averaging used, the method can provide substantial X-ray exposure reduction per run as compared with conventional techniques for an equivalent signal-to-noise ratio in the final image. The matched filtering technique was compared with conventional pulsed (1/s) DSA images of both extracranial and intracranial arteries, and the results are presented. Matched filtered images provided image quality that was equivalent to that of conventional DSA images at .apprx. 1/4th the patient exposure per run for both carotid artery and cerebral vessel studies. Despite long integration times, patient motion irretrievably corrupted image quality in only 2 of 5 carotid artery studies and in none of 3 intracranial studies. Compensation for patient motion is demonstrated, and additional applications and limitations of the technique are discussed.