Changerless peripheral angiography: a new concept.

The authors describe a new technique using the principle of rotational scanography, in which the x-ray tube is rotated through the center of the focal spot and scans the field of interest. A single primary and secondary slot system in conjunction with an 8:1 grid is used for efficient scatter removal. If the speed of blood flow is increased by reactive hyperemia and a large amount of contrast medium is injected, the abdomen to the toes can be scanned with one injection. The advantages of this technique are that a 127-cm field can be covered with a 6 degree or 12 degree target tube and without an especially high ceiling, and the film changer is eliminated. The angiograms are markedly improved because virtually all scatter is eliminated, and exposure is reduced since only one radiograph is necessary.