Demonstration of enhanced K ‐edge angiography using a cerium target x‐ray generator

The cerium target x‐ray generator is useful in order to perform enhanced K ‐edge angiography using a cone beam because K ‐series characteristic x rays from the cerium target are absorbed effectively by iodine‐based contrast mediums. The x‐ray generator consists of a main controller, a unit with a Cockcroft‐Walton circuit and a fixed anode x‐ray tube, and a personal computer. The tube is a glass‐enclosed diode with a cerium target and a 0.5 − mm ‐thick beryllium window. The maximum tube voltage and current were 65 kV and 0.4 mA , respectively, and the focal‐spot sizes were 1.0 × 1.3 mm . Cerium K α lines were left using a barium sulfate filter, and the x‐ray intensity was 0.48 μ C / kg at 1.0 m from the source with a tube voltage of 60 kV , a current of 0.40 mA , and an exposure time of 1.0 s . Angiography was performed with a computed radiography system using iodine‐based microspheres. In coronary angiography of nonliving animals, we observed fine blood vessels of approximately 100 μ m with high contrasts.