K-edge imaging using non-standard and standard X-ray “dyes” can further cut patient radiation doses and decrease contrast dosage. By using k-edge “dyes” at the highest energies produced by our machine one can further reduce dose, since the body is more transparent to higher keV photons, yet the “dye” is quite visible due to the k-edge effect. Additionally, diagnostic agents can be fabricated to carry k-edge materials such as iodine, gadolinium and silver. Since these can be tumor specific as well, they can be used to both better diagnose and treat tumors.

Although k-edge imaging is useful for any contrast study, of particular interest is intravenous coronary angiography. Now, there is no need to catheterize the coronary arteries, making the study inherently safer. Additionally, smaller amounts of X-ray “dyes” in much lower concentrations only need be injected into the arm. All of this aims to make intravenous coronary angiography far less invasive, faster, cheaper and possible on an outpatient basis.