Quantitative fluoroscopic dose saving in cardiovascular imaging with a novel motion discriminating temporal filter

Temporal recursive filters commonly used for fluoroscopic noise reduction blur moving objects and compromise device visibility. A motion discriminating temporal filter (MD-TF) has been developed for interventional applications on GE Innova Cardiovascular X-ray systems. This filter reduces motion-blur by detecting object motion and offers the potential for improved device visibility and/or dose savings. In this study, we quantified potential dose savings offered by the MD-TF using a realistic image synthesis model of the GE Innova digital flat panel system and visual perception experiments. The MD-TF applied to flat panel detector fluoroscopy images was found to offer up to 39% dose savings compared to unfiltered images. In comparison, a simple image lag resulted in no dose savings. The results demonstrate the importance of optimal temporal filtering for maximizing device visibility, and for achieving maximum X-ray dose efficiency