Enhanced real-time magnification angiography utilizing a 100-μm-focus x-ray generator in conjunction with an image intensifier

A microfocus x-ray tube is useful in order to perform magnification digital radiography including phase-contrast effect. The 100-µm-focus x-ray generator consists of a main controller for regulating the tube voltage and current and a tube unit, with a high-voltage circuit and a fixed anode x-ray tube. The maximum tube voltage, current, and electric power were 105 kV, 0.5 mA, and 50 W, respectively. Using a 3.0-mm-thick aluminum filter, the x-ray intensity was 26.0 µGy/s at 1.0 m from the source with a tube voltage of 60 kV and a current of 0.50 mA. Because the peak photon energy was approximately 35 keV using the filter with a tube voltage of 60 kV, the bremsstrahlung x-rays were absorbed effectively by iodine-based contrast media with an iodine K-edge of 33.2 keV. Real-time magnification radiography was performed by twofold magnification imaging with an image intensifier camera, and angiography was achieved with iodine-based microspheres 15 µm in diameter. In angiography of non-living animals, we observed fine blood vessels of approximately 100 µm with high contrasts.