Fluoroscopy
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What is Fluoroscopy?
Unlike radiography and CT-scans, which produce a still image, Fluoroscopy studies moving body structures like a movie. A continuous x-ray beam is produced (see Production of X-rays) and the detector transmits to a TV-like monitor so that the motion can be seen in detail. [X8]
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The radiographer may give the patient a contrast medium to make the image clearer. This is often called a ‘Barium meal’; Barium has a high atomic number making it very ‘radiodense’. This absorbed more x-rays making structures clearer on the image. [X9]
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Watch the video below to see fluoroscopy of a healthy heart to get an idea of the movie-like nature of fluoroscopy.
Fluoroscopy of the Heart
Safety
According to the National Council on Radiation Protection, a fluoroscopy being taken in conjuction with angioplasty delivers a dosage of 0.20mSv which is the equivalent of 2000 bananas. (Click on our banana scale page for more information). Although this may seem like a relatively high dosage, the benefits of fluoroscopy in most situations will highly outweigh any associated risk. [X10]
Image Source (The Chamberlain Group)
Video available at (YouTube.com)