Fluoroscopy in Radiology

Fluoroscopy in Radiology

Definition

• Fluoroscopy is a continuous X-ray imaging technique used to guide diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in real-time.
• It uses a continuous beam of X-rays to produce a moving image on a monitor, allowing the operator to visualize internal structures and guide interventions.

Principles

• Fluoroscopy uses an X-ray tube and a detector to produce an image on a monitor.
• The X-ray beam is pulsed or continuous, depending on the system and procedure.
• Image intensification is used to amplify the X-ray signal, allowing for low-dose imaging.

Applications

• Guiding interventional procedures:
  • Biopsies
  • Angiography
  • Placements of catheters, stents, and other devices
• Diagnostic procedures:
  • Upper GI series (barium swallow)
  • Lower GI series (barium enema)
  • Voiding cystourethrograms (VCUGs)
• Orthopedic and surgical procedures:
  • Guiding bone fractures and reductions
  • Placement of surgical instruments and implants

Benefits

• Real-time imaging allows for precise guidance and verification of procedures.
• Reduces procedure time and radiation exposure.
• Enables minimally invasive procedures.

Limitations

• Radiation exposure to patients and operators.
• Limited image resolution and tissue contrast compared to other imaging modalities.
• Requires specialized equipment and trained operators.

Safety Considerations

• Radiation safety protocols must be followed to minimize exposure to patients and operators.
• Operators should wear protective lead aprons and gloves.
• Patients should be informed of the risks and benefits of fluoroscopy-guided procedures.

Fluoroscopy in Radiology

Definition

• A continuous X-ray imaging technique used to guide diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in real-time.
• Produces a moving image on a monitor, allowing the operator to visualize internal structures and guide interventions.

Principles

X-ray Generation

• Uses an X-ray tube to produce a continuous or pulsed X-ray beam.
• The X-ray beam is adjusted depending on the system and procedure.

Image Production

• Employs image intensification to amplify the X-ray signal.
• Allows for low-dose imaging.

Applications

Interventional Procedures

• Guides biopsies, angiography, and placements of catheters, stents, and other devices.
• Used in orthopedic and surgical procedures to guide bone fractures and reductions, and placement of surgical instruments and implants.

Diagnostic Procedures

• Used in upper GI series (barium swallow), lower GI series (barium enema), and voiding cystourethrograms (VCUGs).

Benefits

• Enables real-time imaging, allowing for precise guidance and verification of procedures.
• Reduces procedure time and radiation exposure.
• Enables minimally invasive procedures.

Limitations

• Exposes patients and operators to radiation.
• Has limited image resolution and tissue contrast compared to other imaging modalities.
• Requires specialized equipment and trained operators.

Safety Considerations

• Radiation safety protocols must be followed to minimize exposure to patients and operators.
• Operators must wear protective lead aprons and gloves.
• Patients must be informed of the risks and benefits of fluoroscopy-guided procedures.

Fluoroscopy is a continuous X-ray imaging technique used to guide diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in real-time, producing a moving image on a monitor.