Abstract
The development of high resolution, self-scanning, solid state linear diode arrays and fast computer memories allows for the construction of an imaging system which overcomes many of the limitations associated with current x-ray film-screen and TV-fluoroscopy systems. In our digital radiography method, a fan-shaped x-ray beam illuminates a phosphor screen that is fiber optically coupled to a row of self-scanning, linear diode arrays whose output is then digitized and transmitted to a computer for storage, display and processing. This technique images small density differences which permits the visualization of vessels and lesions with intravenous administration of radiopaque contrast media rather than the invasive method of directly introducing contrast into the artertes. The fact that images are recorded in a digital memory allows for greater flexibility for processing and display of these images.