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European states within the EEC are required to establish and use diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in X-ray examinations. However, up to now there have been no DRLs for cardiac catheterization in children, nor as a rule is the effective dose estimated. We have evaluated the dose-area products (DAPs) for three different types of angiocardiography systems over a time span of 8 years. For each system DAP increased in proportion to the body weight (BW) over two orders of magnitude. The proportionality constant decreased over the years. To reduce the broad distribution of DAP the doses for cine acquisition (DAPA) and fluoroscopy (DAPF) were indexed with respect to the total numbers of acquired images (AN) and the total times of fluoroscopy (FT). DAPA/AN is directly proportional to BW with a high correlation (r = 0.896, n = 1346). Likewise, DAPF/FT is proportional to BW from 0.1 kg to 100 kg (r = 0.84, n = 2138). Therefore, by normalizing DAP to BW the growth dependent variation of DAP can be eliminated. There are numerous short examinations with very small total DAPs, which were separated from the group of diagnostic examinations. The mean DAP/BW of this group is 0.41 Gycm2 kg(-1) (90th percentile: 0.81 Gycm2 kg(-1), n = 1106). For interventional procedures in congenital heart diseases DAP/BW is significantly higher (p<0.001) (mean: 0.56 Gycm2 kg(-1), 90th percentile: 1.16 Gycm2 kg(-1), n = 883). There are significant differences between different types of interventional procedures, the mean values being between 0.35 Gycm2 kg(-1) (occlusion of patent ductus botalli, n = 165) and 1.30 Gycm2 kg(-1) (occlusion of ventricular septal defect, n = 32). For patients who are catheterized several times over the years, the cumulative effective dose (E) may reach high values, being especially high for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (typically 11 mSv). E is derived from DAP/BW by use of a constant DAP/BW to E conversion factor, independent of the age of the patient. DAP/BW is appropriate to describe paediatric DRLs and is recommended instead of using mean DAP values for age groups.

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According to national and international rules the x-ray exposure of cardiac catheter examinations have to be measured. For a Philips Integris angiographic system used for paediatric heart catheterization we found severe errors in the indicated time of fluoroscopy and total dose area product ( DAP) both for fluoroscopy and radiography. Fluoroscopy times shorter than 6 seconds and DAPs smaller than 0.1 Gy cm (2) are ignored and not considered in the indicated total fluoroscopy time and the fluoroscopic and radiographic DAPs. This error leads to a systematic underestimation of the risk of radiation-induced cancer especially with infants and children.

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In the paediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory the reduction of the radiation dose of diagnostic and interventional procedures is of high priority. Therefore, we performed an experimental study for optimizing the automatic exposure control (AEC) for cardiac angiography. With a Philips Integris BH 5000 system, six AEC programs were configured to acquire X-ray images of 8 cm to 18.5 cm thick PMMA phantoms at tube voltages between 50 kV and 90 kV, with 0.2 mm or 0.4 mm Cu filters and with or without an anti-scatter grid. At constant detector dose, entrance dose (ED) and image quality were evaluated as functions of the voltage. Changes in image quality were determined by the differential signal-to-noise ratio measured within regions of low (SNRb) and high (SNRd) attenuation. At equal voltages, ED saving was approximately 29% with the 0.4 mm Cu beam filtering as compared with 0.2 mm Cu, largely independent of object thickness. SNRb and SNRd were only dependent on the voltage. While SNRb was high at low voltages, SNRd showed a maximum at approximately 79 kV. Using a grid, ED increased with increasing object thickness by a factor of 1.9 to 3.5. At equal voltages, the grid led to significant image improvements, with SNRb and SNRd increasing by 27% and 11%, respectively. SNRb and SNRd are useful descriptors of the image quality in cardiac angiography. Highest image quality was found with tube voltages between 55 kV and 77 kV, independently of object thickness. To minimize dose, the thickness of the copper filter should be chosen to be as large as possible provided the tube's power limit allows keeping the voltage below the upper limit. In view of the substantial image improvement, the use of a grid is recommended for all patients, even for newborns.

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Compared to single plane angiographic systems, biplane systems offer the possibility of a merged evaluation of the two x-ray projections. A computer program was developed that allows the assessment of enddiastolic and endsystolic volumes and frame-by-frame analysis of the left and right ventricle based on representing the biplane angiograms as optimal paired images. Optimal pairing means the magnifications are fitted, resulting in identical scales for objects located in the isocenter of the gantry; furthermore the images are rotated such that paired epipolar lines in both planes represent the same cross section of a centered object. The improved border tracing is proved by comparing the vertical extents from the lateral and frontal projection of the right ventricle. The standard deviation of the differences were significantly (p < 0.01) reduced as compared to the generally used unpaired evaluation.

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Digital angiographic images contain a significant amount of redundancy as well as some irrelevant information and noise. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of bits required to represent an image considerably. The lossy JPEG standard may be used provided that no significant diagnostic information is lost. As implemented in presently available hard- and software in most cases the luminance quantization table (LQT) is applied for gray level images, which may only be scaled by a so-called quality factor. The questions arise whether it is possible and worthwhile to specify quantization tables for the particular characteristics of angiograms. To assess the quality performance quantitatively, global numerical quality measures and evaluations based on Hosaka-plots were performed. Those diagrams compare the errors introduced into areas of different local activity. By the newly introduced weighting of these errors with the relative occupancy of the respective classes of activity the results got more reproducible. The blocking and blurring effects introduced by lossy JPEG compression could be compared objectively. Two new quantization tables were derived from the transfer function of the angiographic X-ray system, the modulation transfer quantization table (MTQT) and the star pattern quantization table (SPQT). Both tables guarantee that the blurring of sharp edges is minimized so that no deterioration around a coronary lesion occurs. Based on the signal-to-noise ratio, the overall quality performance is the same as for the LQT. A general relation between the bit rate of the compressed image and the quality factor has been determined for images of high local activity and normally scaled coronary angiographic images (512 x 512).

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RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To prove the feasibility of performing percutaneous transcatheter embolectomy using a funnel-shaped catheter tip and balloon embolectomy catheters. METHODS: A theoretical model is described to assess the influence of the diameter of an introductory device and coaxially introduced embolectomy catheter. A funnel-shaped catheter tip was attached to 7F, 8F, and 9F introductory sheaths. In vitro embolectomy of 5 g and 12 g thrombi was performed with 3F and 4F embolectomy catheters. RESULTS: The number of extractions required was significantly related to the ratio of the diameters of the sheaths and embolectomy catheter shafts. The combination of a 7F sheath with a 4F embolectomy catheter required the greatest number of extractions (8.4 +/- 1.7). The least number of extractions was needed for the combination of a 9F sheath with 4F and 3F embolectomy catheters (1.6 +/- 0.7 and 1.8 +/- 0.4, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that percutaneous embolectomy with balloon embolectomy catheters is feasible. However, further research is necessary before the final catheter design is chosen.

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In an experimental study in pigs, the function of monocuspid and bicuspid patches was compared to improve surgical reconstruction of a hypoplastic pulmonary root. Segments from glutaraldehyde-treated porcine aortic roots served as monocuspid and bicuspid patches. Their leaflets and commissures were marked with radiopaque metal clips. Marker movements were recorded at 100 frames/sec. Quantification of pulmonary insufficiency, right ventricular stroke volume, as well as pressures in the right ventricle, pulmonary artery, and aorta was performed before and after patch plasty. The cyclic motion of the leaflets showed a three-phase pattern in monocuspid and bicuspid patches: (1) a rapid opening motion with a significantly longer distance to be covered in monocuspid patches (7.5 mm in monocuspid versus 4.9 mm in bicuspid patches); (2) a slow closing motion that was significantly greater in monocuspid patches (31.5% of maximal displacement in monocuspid versus 18.2% and 23.8% in bicuspid patches); (3) a similar rapid closure motion in both types of patches. The commissural expansion was less than 6% for monocuspid and bicuspid patches and began 10 to 20 msec before valve opening. Considerable irregularities in the movement of the different leaflet markers, especially in monocuspid patches, indicated leaflet buckling as a result of redundant leaflet tissue. There was a significant pulmonary regurgitant fraction only in monocuspid patches (19% in monocuspid versus 7% in bicuspid patches) that occurred during early diastole. No pressure gradients were observed across either type of patch. In monocuspid patches, a greater leaflet displacement during rapid closure was correlated with an increased pulmonary insufficiency (r = 0.8875). In conclusion, the function of a bicuspid patch is superior to that of a monocuspid patch for repair of a hypoplastic pulmonary root and allows the construction of a competent and stenosis-free valve mechanism.

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Videodensitometry allows to obtain both left and right ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and aortic or pulmonary regurgitant fraction (RGF) from the wash-out curve of contrast medium. We developed this technique to digital densitometry and integrated it in the standard digital image acquisition system 'Digitron' using Siemens user's library. Sources of error like scatter radiation, veiling glare, accumulation of iodine in tissue, and inhomogeneous contrast mixing were considered by using ECG gated image subtraction, background reference regions, data fit to ideal wash-out curves and calculation of EF and RGF exclusively from density differences. The method was validated by phantom studies in which simulated angiocardiograms were generated with given values of EF (50 to 70%) and RGF (0 to 45%). The results tended to overestimate RGF by up to 10 percent points, when image contrast was high and the ventricle was masked poorly by the lead shutters. In the clinical setting, the reliability of the results can be judged from the fit of the wash-out curve presented automatically on the screen on a semi-logarithmic scale. The technique is available to the physician in the catheterization laboratory on-line during or immediately after the examination, which facilitates routine use.

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To assess the feasibility of quantitative central venous digital angiocardiography, right ventricular spatial orientation, size, and shape were compared with measurements based on conventional angiocardiography, both obtained during routine cardiac catheterization in 21 children with various congenital heart defects. Without systematic error, correlations for end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were excellent, at r = 0.986 and 0.969, respectively. Ejection fractions were similarly closely correlated. Premature ventricular contractions were common in conventional angiocardiography and absent in digital and angiocardiography. The amount of contrast medium was 36% of that used for conventional angiocardiography. Digital angiocardiography using reduced amounts of contrast medium given through a central venous catheter allows accurate assessment of right ventricular size and function.

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For a continued assessment of the two-stage anatomic correction, we have evaluated the postoperative results in terms of clinical status, ECG, ventricular function, aortic root size and stiffness for up to 9 years in all 18 survivors. Weight and height were normal, the ECG was normal except for complete (n = 3) and incomplete (n = 11) right bundle branch block and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias post Blalock-Hanlon septectomy (n = 1) and p-wave abnormalities (n = 6). The pressures and ejection fraction of the left and right ventricles were within normal limits. The end-diastolic and endsystolic left ventricular volume and the muscle volume index were elevated. Six of 17 patients were outside the normal range of the left ventricular ejection fraction-endsystolic stress relationship. The diameter of the aortic root was larger than normal in all patients. There was a relation between the size of the patients at banding and the stiffness of the aortic root after anatomic correction. Patients with simple transposition of the great arteries up to 9 years after anatomic correction develop normally without atrio-ventricular conduction delay, arrhythmias or signs of coronary and myocardial insufficiency. The stiff and enlarged aortic roots do not seem to dilate. The reasons for the elevated left ventricular volumes and muscle volume indices are not clear at present. Primary anatomic correction may prevent these abnormalities.

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To gain information on physiologic postnatal cardiac growth in humans and to characterize the left ventricle (LV) when subjected to various types of overload during that period, angiocardiographic volume parameters in infants, children, and adolescents were analyzed. In normal subjects, the relationships between end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), and stroke volume (SV) of the LV and right ventricle (RV), as well as the muscle volume (MV) of the LV and body surface area (BSA) were best fit by power functions with exponents of between 1.2 and 1.3. The EDV and ESV of the LV were smaller than those of the RV. Ejection Fraction (EF), muscle volume index (MVI = MV/EDV), and cardiac index (CI) were constant. In pressure loaded LVs, the MVI was elevated, and increased with increasing pressure load. The ESV tended to be smaller and EF tended to be higher than normal. There was no correlation between EF and EDV. In volume loaded LVs, MV was increased; the MVI, as well as the EF, was normal. The EDV and ESV were elevated without correlation between EF and EDV. In complete transposition of the great arteries. MVI diminished, increasing within months as a response to pressure underloading and overloading. In all groups, there was a negative correlation between EF and ESV, as well as between EF and the shape parameter elongation in systole. During postnatal growth, the normal heart grows overproportionally with respect to BSA, with the LV ejecting the same SV as the RV at a higher EDV and ESV. EF, MVI, and CI are age-independent parameters for assessment of cardiac function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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In 16 patients, constituting 100% of children followed for up to 7 years after two-stage anatomic correction of complete transposition of the great arteries, clinical and electrocardiographic data, as well as cardiac catheterization data in 12 patients, were analyzed. None of them has had signs or symptoms of coronary or myocardial insufficiency after an adaptation phase of 6 months after anatomic correction. Body weight normalized 3 to 6 months after anatomic correction, and was normal in most cases after 1 year. No atrioventricular conduction delays or arrhythmias definitely attributable to anatomic correction were observed. Peak systolic pressure in the right ventricle was slightly elevated in 10 of 12 patients studied due to residual pulmonary stenosis from the band site. End-diastolic and end-systolic volumes as well as ejection fraction and end-diastolic pressure of the right ventricle were normal. End-diastolic and end-systolic volumes of the left ventricle were elevated (p less than .01), while muscle volume, ejection fraction, and end-diastolic pressure were normal. The pulmonary root was distended during the banding stage and did not dilate as did the aortic root after anatomic correction. Patients with complete transposition of the great arteries up to 7 years after anatomic correction develop normally without atrioventricular conduction delays, arrhythmias, or signs of coronary and myocardial insufficiency. The enlarged aortic root does not seem to dilate. The reasons for elevated left ventricular volumes are not clear at the present time. Earlier operation may prevent these changes.

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To assess postoperative arrhythmias and AV-conduction defects associated with anatomic correction of simple transposition of the great arteries, 207 standard 12-lead surface and 43 24-hour electrocardiograms of all 17 patients followed after anatomic correction for up to 6.5 years were reviewed. No dysrhythmias or AV-conduction delays definitely attributable to anatomic correction were observed. One patient with a severe complex supraventricular tachyarrhythmia after a Blalock-Hanlon procedure has improved markedly, exhibiting respiratory AV-dissociation and 5 premature atrial complexes/minute 5 years after anatomic correction.

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