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What is Fluoroscopy?

Caitlin Kenney
Caitlin Kenney

Fluoroscopy is an imaging system used by doctors to obtain 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 per second. This creates a live movie of the 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, physicians may also use this process to guide procedures such as injections into joints or minimally invasive surgeries.

Fluoroscopy is used to examine a wide range of internal structures, including bones, the 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 beams rays through the body, the image intensifier translates the X-rays into light, which appear as images. These images are then transferred to a monitor, much like a TV screen, on which the doctor can watch the shape and movement of the patient’s internal structures.

Barium sulfate is a contrast dye that can be given orally, allowing it to be useful in swallow studies.
Barium sulfate is a contrast dye that can be given orally, allowing it to be useful in swallow studies.

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 may be used to determine whether the patient has broken or chipped bones, spinal injuries, bone or joint affecting diseases, heart or lung disease, a punctured lung, or scoliosis, the abnormal curving of the spine. X-ray may also be used to locate accidentally swallowed objects, evaluate causes of chest pain, detect blockages in blood vessels, inspect sinus infections, and evaluate dental problems. X-rays produce radiation, and dose reductions are often required for children. Patients should be sure to tell their doctor if they may be pregnant before using fluoroscopy.

Fluoroscopy can be used in conjunction with other imaging to diagnose oral dental issues.
Fluoroscopy can be used in conjunction with other imaging to diagnose oral dental issues.

Fluoroscopy procedures will vary based on the patient’s condition, the structures being examined, and the protocols of a given region. The process may begin an intravenous line, or IV, being injected into a vein, typically in the arm or hand. The patient may then be put under partial or general anesthesia, numbing the patient to any pain that might occur. He or she will then be positioned between the image intensifier and the X-ray source. If the patient cannot be moved, a mobile X-ray machine will be positioned around the patient.

Fluoroscopy may be used to determine if a patient has broken bones.
Fluoroscopy may be used to determine if a patient has broken bones.

In order to get a better visual aid, physicians may inject a harmless dye through the IV line to highlight desired structures. The next steps in 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 physician 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 may be used to drain fluids from the body or administer fluids into the body and can be inserted into several locations, usually in the groin.

Fluoroscopy uses X-ray technology to obtain multiple images from inside the body.
Fluoroscopy uses X-ray technology to obtain multiple images from inside the body.

Fluoroscopy may also be used to guide minimally invasive surgeries. A minimally invasive surgery uses medical imaging to allow doctors to operate in the body without fully opening the patient. Fluoroscopy is used most frequently in percutaneous vertebroplasty, a minimally invasive surgery that strengthens weakened vertebrae in the spine. After undergoing a local anesthesia and being placed between a fluoroscope, the doctor injects a cement-like solution directly into the affected vertebra of the spine. This relieves pain and strengthens the spine.

Discussion Comments

venus666

How do I determine whether I need surgery? My back has not been comfortable, I had some time to do massage, and the results have had little effect, so I was wondering if I need surgery too? There is such a minimally invasive surgery, will there be consequences to it?

donasmrs

Did you guys know that Thomas Edison invented this term "fluoroscopy?"

I didn't realize that this diagnostic tool was discovered that far back. Apparently, Thomas Edison, while studying x-rays, saw fluorescence where some ares of the x-ray seemed to be brighter than other areas. And so was the term born. Of course, the actual procedure used during a fluoroscopy came later.

burcinc

@literally45-- I'm not an expert on this topic but I think that an angiography is a type of fluoroscopy. It also involves injecting a dye into veins and arteries and taking a moving picture of what is happening.

When the dye is injected into the arteries going to the heart, it's called an angiography. It shows the dye traveling through the arteries. It's used to diagnose blocked arteries or other problems. It's also used before and during heart surgeries.

literally45

Is a fluoroscopy similar to an angiography used to check for blocked arteries in the heart? The idea sounds similar but I guess they're different right?

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    • Barium sulfate is a contrast dye that can be given orally, allowing it to be useful in swallow studies.
      By: Rob Byron
      Barium sulfate is a contrast dye that can be given orally, allowing it to be useful in swallow studies.
    • Fluoroscopy can be used in conjunction with other imaging to diagnose oral dental issues.
      By: Robert Kneschke
      Fluoroscopy can be used in conjunction with other imaging to diagnose oral dental issues.
    • Fluoroscopy may be used to determine if a patient has broken bones.
      By: leschnyhan
      Fluoroscopy may be used to determine if a patient has broken bones.
    • Fluoroscopy uses X-ray technology to obtain multiple images from inside the body.
      By: citylights
      Fluoroscopy uses X-ray technology to obtain multiple images from inside the body.
    • Fluoroscopy procedures may be done under general anesthesia.
      By: uwimages
      Fluoroscopy procedures may be done under general anesthesia.