Photographic magnification of 35-mm cineangiographic frames utilizing subtraction film.

Most cardiovascular laboratories utilizing 35-mm cineradiographic techniques have the difEculty of not being able to project angiographic films to large audiences. One commercially available cineradiographic projector (Tagarno 35) provides relatively small images projected onto its own screen. When the screen is removed and the film is projected onto larger screens, a great deal of distortion takes place. Other projectors available to project these films onto large screens are not generally available and are expensive. Similarly, in the operating room, it is desirable to have a still image of the anatomy in order to better accomplish the surgical aims. This is particularly crucial when coronary bypass surgery is performed and the locations of the lesions and their severity dictate the location for the implantation of grafts. Otherwise, the surgeons have to carry the angiographic images in their memory, and this may lead to errors. When angiographic images are recorded on cut film or 105-mm photospots, they can usually be reviewed on standard x-ray viewing boxes. They have the ideal size for lectures and the operating room when viewed on standard viewing boxes. Not all laboratories utilize cut film or 105-mm photospots for a number of reasons which are beyond the scope of this communication. We have recently developed a simple and inexpensive method to transfer cineangiographic images onto highcontrast subtraction film with reversal of black and white (Dupont 14 x 14-inch subtraction film). These images can then be placed on a viewing box and reviewed when necessary, including during open-heart surgery in the operating room. This report presents the details of this technique.