Digital Cath Lab Comparison: Cardiac and Peripheral

Interventional cath labs are instrumental in diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases. Over the last decade or so, advances in digital cath lab imaging have brought greater image quality and lower radiation exposure than the modality has seen before. But choosing the right cath lab system for a given facility is not a one-size-fits-all decision, especially when procedures are as different in scope as cardiac studies and peripheral studies.

Fortunately, there are models available on the market to accommodate either end of the spectrum, with some systems even flexible enough to do a little of everything in between. This brief comparison will explore the field of view (FoV) of systems for the cardiac and peripheral specialties and give a few popular examples of each from leading manufacturers.

Which Digital Cath Lab is Best for My Caseload?

Cardiac Procedures

A smaller detector provides a more concentrated area of focus for more delicate work. For cardiac studies, we recommend looking for a 20 to 27cm FoV. The smaller focus is ideal for directing catheters into the heart. Systems like the Philips FD10, GE Innova 2100, and Siemens Axiom Artis dFC / dTC all have smaller detectors for a narrow FoV.

Peripheral Studies

This category of studies includes run-offs, ablation techniques, and tumor/vein embolization. Because these cases cover wider anatomical areas, they require a larger FoV. We recommend a large-detector system like the GE Innova 4100, Philips Allura Xper FD20, or Siemens Axiom Artis dFA / dTA. 

Swing Lab

A "swing lab" is a digital cath lab with a hardware and software configuration that makes it flexible enough to accommodate a variety of studies across the spectrum. It can be used in cardiac studies, as well as a variety of vascular and neurological applications. If your caseload calls for this level of flexibility flexibility, you should consider the Philips FD20, GE Innova 3100, and Siemens Axiom Artis dFA / dTA.You'll notice that some of these suggestions are duplicates from the peripheral systems list. This is because the FD20 and the dFA and dTA have a 30 x 40cm detector that can be rotated to better match the FoV of the study you plan to do. 

The Takeaway

There is a great variety of clinical needs and procedural preferences in the field. Cath lab manufacturers have recognized this and responded accordingly with equipment that can specialize or generalize. Whichever way your unique situation has you leaning, our team is ready to help. You can use the banner below to learn more, or start a conversation today by calling us at 517-668-8800.