# DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY: A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 1989 · $148,775

## Abstract

Several basic approaches to digital subtraction radiography have
been investigated in the last decade.  In one approach, the
traditional video chain (image intensifier/TV camera) is modified,
and the output of the camera is digitized and analyzed by a
computer.  A second approach (line and point scanning) utilizes a
linear detector array (gas detector or solid-state linear diode
array), and a series of line images is generated.  These line images
are combined to a two-dimensional image while the area of body
being investigated is scanned.  Other approaches recently
developed, in particular the phosphor storage system, offer the
potential to be useful in several applications, but their use on a
large scale at present is precluded by a lack of clinical
experience, cost, and other factors.  The two most frequently
used approaches also have significant advantages as well as
limitations.  For example, the image intensifier/TV camera (II-
DSA) method is sufficiently fast for clinical needs but has limited
spatial resolution, minimal or no scatter reduction, and relatively
low latitude (signal-to-noise ratio).  Line and point scanning
overcomes some of these drawbacks but is too slow for many
procedures, and generated x-ray utilization is very low.  In
addition, patient positioning in this method is complicated, and
either the patient or the detector must be moved during the
procedure in a synchronized and extremely accurate fashion.

It is the purpose of this proposal to carry out a comprehensive
feasibility study to investigate an alternative concept in digital
subtraction radiography detection systems which would combine
many of the advantages of the above mentioned approaches while
eliminating some of their disadvantages.  We will construct, test,
and evaluate a clinically usable digital subtraction radiography
system which is based on two-dimensional solid-state diode arrays
fiberoptically coupled to a fluorescent screen and/or a
scintillating fiberoptic faceplate.  Due to unique circumstances at
our institution, all three types of systems noted above (II-DSA,
line scanning, storage phosphor) and our proposed system will be
available to us, and we will therefore also be able to carry out a
comparative study of these methodologies as an integral part of
this investigation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3171979
- **Project number:** 5R01CA034244-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **SAM.gov UEI:** MKAGLD59JRL1
- **Principal Investigator:** DAVID GUR
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $148,775
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-05-01 → 1991-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3171979

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3171979, DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY: A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (5R01CA034244-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3171979. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*