Régine Lapere

Bio: Régine Lapere is an academic researcher from Ghent University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Imaging technology & Fluoroscopy. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 56 citations.

Novel X-ray imaging technology enables significant patient dose reduction in interventional cardiology while maintaining diagnostic image quality.

Abstract: Objectives The purpose of this study was to quantify the reduction in patient radiation dose during coronary angiography (CA) by a new X-ray technology, and to assess its impact on diagnostic image quality. Background Recently, a novel X-ray imaging technology has become available for interventional cardiology, using advanced image processing and an optimized acquisition chain for radiation dose reduction. Methods 70 adult patients were randomly assigned to a reference X-ray system or the novel X-ray system. Patient demographics were registered and exposure parameters were recorded for each radiation event. Clinical image quality was assessed for both patient groups. Results With the same angiographic technique and a comparable patient population, the new imaging technology was associated with a 75% reduction in total kerma-area product (KAP) value (decrease from 47 Gycm2 to 12 Gycm2, P < 0.001). Clinical image quality showed an equivalent detail and contrast for both imaging systems. On the other hand, the subjective appreciation of noise was more apparent in images of the new image processing system, acquired at lower doses, compared to the reference system. However, the higher noise content did not affect the overall image quality score, which was adequate for diagnosis in both systems. Conclusions For the first time, we present a new X-ray imaging technology, combining advanced noise reduction algorithms and an optimized acquisition chain, which reduces patient radiation dose in CA drastically (75%), while maintaining diagnostic image quality. Use of this technology may further improve the radiation safety of cardiac angiography and interventions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

AAPM/RSNA physics tutorial for residents: physics of flat-panel fluoroscopy systems: Survey of modern fluoroscopy imaging: flat-panel detectors versus image intensifiers and more.

Abstract: In fluoroscopy imaging systems, flat-panel detectors (FPDs) are replacing image intensifiers as the modern solid-state image receptors; FPDs have potential to reduce patient radiation doses and to eliminate image degradation due to glare, vignetting, spatial distortions, and defocusing effects.

Viewdex: a status report.

Abstract: ViewDEX (Viewer for Digital Evaluation of X-ray images) is an image viewer and task manager suitable for research and optimisation tasks in medical imaging. The software has undergone continuous development during more than a decade and has during this time period been used in numerous studies. ViewDEX is DICOM compatible, and the features of the interface (tasks, image handling and functionality) are general and flexible. The set-up of a study is determined by altering properties in a text-editable file, enabling easy and flexible configuration. ViewDEX is developed in Java and can run from any disc area connected to a computer. It is free to use for non-commercial purposes and can be downloaded from http://www.vgregion.se/sas/viewdex The purposes of the present article are to give a short overview of the development of ViewDEX and to describe recent updates of the software. In addition, a description on how to configure a viewing session in ViewDEX is provided.

Patient exposure to X‐rays during coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention: Results of a multicenter national survey

Abstract: Objectives To evaluate practices for the protection from radiation of patients during coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to update reference values for the main radiation dose parameters. Background Few multicenter data from large populations exist on radiation doses to patients during CA and PCI. Methods RAY'ACT is a multicenter, nationwide French survey, with retrospective analysis of radiation parameters routinely registered in professional software from 33,937 CAs and 27,826 PCIs performed at 44 centers from January 1, through December 31, 2010. Results Kerma-area product (KAP) was registered in 91.7% (44/48) of centers and in 91.5% of procedures for CA (median, 27.2 Gy·cm2, interquartile range [IQR], 15.5–45.2) and 91.1% for PCI (median, 56.8 Gy·cm2, IQR, 32.8–94.6). Fluoroscopy time was registered in 87.5% (42/48) of centers and in 83.1% of procedures (median, 3.7 min, IQR, 2.3–6.3 for CA; 10.3 min, 6.7–16.2 for PCI). Variability across centers was high. Old equipment and routine left ventriculography were more common and number of registered frames and frame rate were higher in centers delivering high doses. The radial route was associated with lower doses than the femoral route (median KAP 26.8 Gy·cm2 [15.1–44.25] vs. 28.1 [16.4–46.9] for CA, respectively; and 55.6 Gy·cm2 [32.2–92.1] vs. 59.4 [24.6–99.9] for PCI, respectively; P < 0.01). Conclusions This survey showed a very high rate of compliance with dose registration during CA and PCI in French nonacademic hospitals. Updated diagnostic reference values are established for the main dose parameters (KAP, 45 Gy·cm2 for CA, 95 Gy·cm2 for PCI). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

AlluraClarity Radiation Dose-Reduction Technology in the Hybrid Operating Room During Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the effect of radiation dose reduction with the Allura ClarityIQ image processing technology for fixed C-arms in comparison with a mobile C-arm and an Allura fixed C-arm withou...