Fluoroscopy uses X-ray technology to create real-time moving images of internal structures, aiding in diagnoses and guiding procedures such as injections and minimally invasive surgery. It can examine bones, lungs, heart, kidneys, bladder, digestive and reproductive systems, and joints. The device used is called a fluoroscope, consisting of an X-ray machine and an image intensifier. X-rays highlight denser objects, such as bone, and can detect broken bones, spinal injuries, heart or lung disease, and more. Patients may receive an IV line or anesthesia, and harmless dye may be injected to highlight structures. Fluoroscopy can guide minimally invasive surgeries, such as percutaneous vertebroplasty.
Fluoroscopy is an imaging system used by doctors to get a real-time moving picture of the inside of the body. Using X-ray technology, fluoroscopy takes and displays several images of the inside of the body every second. This creates live footage of a patient’s internal structures that doctors can use to look for signs and symptoms of a disease or condition, enabling them to make a diagnosis. In addition to diagnoses, doctors can also use this process to guide procedures such as injections into joints or minimally invasive surgery.
Fluoroscopy is used to examine a wide variety of internal structures, including bones, lungs, heart, kidneys, bladder, digestive system, muscles, reproductive system, and joints. The device used in this procedure is called a fluoroscope, or sometimes a C-arm. The fluoroscope consists of an X-ray machine and an image intensifier, between which the patient is positioned. After the X-ray source transmits the rays through the body, the image intensifier translates the X-rays into light, which appears as images. These images are then transferred to a monitor, much like a television screen, on which the doctor can observe the shape and movement of the patient’s internal structures.
X-ray technology emits electromagnetic radiation to create images in which denser objects, such as bone, are highlighted and less dense objects, such as fat, appear in shades of gray. This technology can be used to determine if the patient has broken or chipped bones, spinal injuries, diseases affecting bones or joints, heart or lung disease, a punctured lung or scoliosis, the abnormal curvature of the spine. X-rays can also be used to locate accidentally swallowed objects, evaluate the causes of chest pain, detect blockages in blood vessels, inspect for sinus infections, and evaluate for dental problems. X-rays produce radiation, and dose reductions are often needed for children. Patients should be sure to tell their doctor if they may be pregnant before using fluoroscopy.
Fluoroscopy procedures vary based on the patient’s condition, the facilities examined, and the protocols of a given region. The process may begin with an intravenous, or IV, line that is injected into a vein, typically in the arm or hand. The patient may then be placed under partial or general anesthesia, numbing the patient of any pain that may occur. He or she will then be placed between the image intensifier and the X-ray source. If the patient cannot be moved, a mobile X-ray machine will be placed around the patient.
To get a better visual aid, doctors can inject a harmless dye through the IV line to highlight the desired structures. The next steps of fluoroscopy will depend on the patient’s case. If the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is being examined, the patient may be asked to swallow a barium sulfate solution so the doctor can watch the muscles of the esophagus and stomach work through fluoroscopic imaging. Fluoroscopy is also commonly used to help a doctor guide a catheter or tube into the body. A catheter can be used to drain fluids from the body or administer fluids into the body and can be inserted into a variety of locations, usually in the groin.
Fluoroscopy can also be used to guide minimally invasive surgeries. Minimally invasive surgery uses medical imaging to allow doctors to operate in the body without fully opening up the patient. Fluoroscopy is used most frequently in percutaneous vertebroplasty, a minimally invasive surgery that strengthens weakened vertebrae in the spine. After undergoing local anesthesia and being placed between a fluoroscope, the doctor injects a cement-like solution directly into the affected vertebrae of the spine. This relieves pain and strengthens the spine.
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