Procedural costs of digital vs. analog archiving of diagnostic cardiac catheterizations.

The use of digital technology in the cardiac catheterization laboratory is expanding at a rapid pace. The cost-effectiveness of this new technology is yet to be proven. The aims of this study were to determine the direct cost differences of digital versus analog media (CDs) for the storage of diagnostic cardiac catheterizations and to explore the factors influencing these differences. Procedural costs of all diagnostic angiograms (n = 109), from three physicians, performed in an analog catheterization laboratory (room A) and a digital catheterization laboratory (room C) were compared during a 9-month period. The mean procedural cost was higher in room A than in room C ($1,102 vs. $1,087, P < 0.001). This cost difference was eliminated when recording media costs were excluded from analysis ($1,079 vs. $1,080, P = 0.931). Therefore, we conclude there is a procedural cost savings in a cardiac catheterization room that uses digital CDs versus cineangiogram film as the archival media. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 49:246-250, 2000.

Which media are most likely to solve the archival problem?

The clinical application of quantitative methods for coronary arteriography remains limited, due in large part to the absence of a suitable replacement for cinefilm as the procedure record. The extension to the clinical environment of the validated objective methods which have found such widespread acceptance in clinical research studies is difficult to implement if the time-consuming and variable process for digitization of selected cinefilm frames is required. In addition, the complete integration of the angiographic procedure record with other patient records and procedures stored in a digital data format requires that the angiographic data eventually be converted to a digital format as well. Replacement of cinefilm requires that the media chosen for the task provide at least the same capabilities and preferably improved functions as those provided by cinefilm as a display, transport, and archival media. The demanding set of requirements imposed on the replacement options include high capacity, high acquisition rate, high transfer rate, application in a distributed environment, portability between institutions, and low expense. A true digital solution should also provide immediate access to the results of the angiographic procedure, transfer of image data over digital networks, multiple-user viewing capability, and quantitative analysis on a routine basis for all patients. In fact, a single media may not provide all the capabilities listed above but, rather, different media may need to be used for specialized tasks, i.e. the solution for archival may not be the same that will be employed as the portable patient record. Separation of the archival function from the acquisition/display and portable transfer functions increases the likelihood that cinefilm can be replaced in the imminent future by reducing the demands on a single media. Among the archival options available today are: (1) magnetic disks; (2) analog laser optical disks; (3) digital laser optical disks; (4) digital file-based magnetic tape; (5) digital video magnetic tape. In evaluating each of these alternatives, an accounting is required of how each meets the archival requirements along with an approximate breakdown of cost and readiness for implementation as a clinical solution today.

Balloon angioplasty of chronic total coronary artery occlusions: what does it cost in radiation exposure, time, and materials?

Coronary angioplasty of chronic total occlusions is known to have a lower success rate and higher frequency of restenosis than angioplasty of subtotal stenoses, but there are no data describing the additional time, resources, and radiation exposure associated with this procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare these features in 90 consecutive patients who underwent angioplasty of a total occlusion (group 1) to those of 100 consecutive patients who underwent angioplasty of a subtotal stenosis (group 2). Angioplasty was successful in 60% of group 1 and in 94% of group 2 patients. Procedures were longer in group 1 and significantly more guide catheters, angioplasty balloon catheters, and guide wires were required per patient compared to group 2. The volume of contrast media used in each group was similar. Estimates of radiation entry exposure, calculated from fluoroscopy exposure times and using data from phantom studies, were 53 R (roentgen) per patient in group 1 vs. 34 R in group 2. These procedures were performed using pulsed progressive fluoroscopy; radiation exposure would be considerably higher using conventional fluoroscopic systems. Cineangiographic radiation exposures were similar for each group and accounted for an average additional exposure of 14-22 R for each procedure. Total radiation exposure was reduced in both groups when the angioplasty procedure was combined with the diagnostic angiogram. These observations should be considered when dilation of a total occlusion is planned. Efforts to reduce the amount of radiation exposure should remain a priority in interventional catheterization laboratories.

A quality control program for cine radiography.

We describe a ciné processing quality control program aimed at the consistent production of high quality angiograms. A year's experience with this protocol has demonstrated the difficulty and importance of maintaining a constant on-frame optical density to ensure consistently high quality. We monitored film processing, speed of the emulsion and the automatic brightness control of the angiographic imaging system several times a day. Variations in film speed and their causes observed in our institution demonstrate that parameters other than film processing should be carefully controlled. The cost of applying this protocol is about +190.00/month and it requires no additional personnel. The cost is offset by the improved quality of the angiograms, reduced repeat examinations, and the improved monitoring of the system making for more effective preventative and corrective maintenance.