What is Fluoroscopy and How It Works?
- | Category: Radiology
Medical imaging has reshaped the way medicine operates. Not only has it facilitated the healthcare sector with its top-notch technology but has also fostered ease for the patients. There are various forms of medical imaging, some of which are commonly known, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Others are not as renowned, but just as beneficial. One such example is fluoroscopy. This blog will answer all your queries about this innovative medical imaging technique. For instance, what is fluoroscopy, how does it work, what is it used for, and when do you need it.
What is fluoroscopy?
It is a process of medical imaging in which rapid streams of X-rays are used to visualize the internal body. It produces precise, unfiltered, and life-like moving images of the body’s organs. Later, these quality images are transferred to a monitor to let the medical specialist view it in detail. You can think of it as a movie characterizing the body’s structures and biochemistry. It helps the doctor monitor the functionality of a particular body part and assess its performance.Who performs a fluoroscopy scan?
According to Cleveland clinic, providers who can perform fluoroscopy on a patient include:
- All medical surgeons
- Radiologists
- Gynecologists and obstetricians
- Orthopedics
- Child specialists
- Cardiologists
- Pain management specialists
- Neurologists
- Urologists
- Gastroenterologists
How does fluoroscopy work?
The main job of a fluoroscopy scan is to let the physician build a clear perspective of the patient’s body mechanism. It helps them identify potential dangers, abnormalities, or complications within the body. Apart from this, it also aids in the diagnosis, treatments, and performance of required surgical procedures. Fluoroscopy produces vivid images that provide a real-time idea of how exactly the body functions.
Difference between fluoroscopy and CT scanning
While both are types of medical imaging, CT scans produce three dimensional images while fluoroscopy relies on two dimensional images. However, the resulting images of a CT scan are not as high-contrast and real as those derived by fluoroscopy. Consequently, CT scans are only functional in low contrast picturization of the body’s grey and white matter.
Difference between fluoroscopy and X-ray imaging
Standard X-rays simply work on snapshots of the internal body. On the other hand, fluoroscopy deals with mobile images with the help of instantaneous repetitive pulses of radiation.
What is fluoroscopy used for?
There are several surgical and curative strategies which can be enhanced with the use of fluoroscopy. Below are some measures explaining how fluoroscopy is used:
Diagnostic fluoroscopy
Barium X-rays
This type of fluoroscopy involves the use of x-rays and barium to get a visually nuanced picture of the gastrointestinal tract. It is divided into two categories; barium swallow (upper GI tract) and barium enema (lower GI tract). A safe barium-infused liquid is injected into the body which enhances the appearance of your body via X-rays. This method can be effectively used to diagnose intestinal problems. Such as ulcers, acid reflux, colon cancer, hernia, and much more.
Arthrography
It is a fluoroscopic diagnostic study of joints. Inodiated contrast is infused in the body to locate the shoulder, knee, elbow, or hip joints. Then what exactly fluoroscopy does is identify bone and joint disorders such as dislocation, cartilage damage, osteoporosis or arthritis.
Angiography
Angiography, also known as an angiogram, utilizes fluoroscopy to detect and diagnose constrictions or obstructions in the arteries within the body. In certain cases, medical professionals may conduct an angioplasty, a surgical intervention aimed at unblocking coronary arteries, concurrently with a diagnostic angiography, if deemed essential.
Hysterosalpingography
This includes an examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes. The contrasting liquid is used to check for blockages, abnormalities, or signs of infertility.
Myelography
This aspect of fluoroscopy is used to evaluate the spinal cord, spinal linings, and nerve roots. It can be beneficial in examining the spine post-surgery. Subsequently, it also aids those unable to undergo CT or MRI scans due to pacemakers in their body.
Cystography
This is a type of fluoroscopic imaging in which the bladder and kidneys are studied for abnormalities. These are helpful in bringing up problems such as kidney stones and vesicoureteral reflux (back flow of urine into the kidneys).
Interventional fluoroscopy
To properly understand what fluoroscopy is, one must have an idea of how it can help with invasive procedures. These are some interventional medical processes which can team up with fluoroscopy to produce remarkable results:
- All types of surgeries can be tracked using fluoroscopy (orthopedic, cardiac, urological etc.)
- Placement of stents to broaden or unblock blood vessels
- Biopsies
- Balloon angioplasty
- Catheter insertion
- Vertebroplasty
- Radiofrequency Ablation
What does fluoroscopy involve?
The process of fluoroscopy is not as complex as it sounds. It is painless, quick, and high definition. Here is how you can prepare for a fluoroscopy appointment:
- Get dressed in a comfortable set of clothing.
- You can also be asked to remove accessories or clothing which may hinder the examination process. For example, jewelry, zips, watches, or glasses.
- You will be asked to lie down, typically in a medical gown, to ensure seamless screening.
- It is a safe idea to tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- During the process, you can be asked to hold your breath or change positions. This is to make sure that the radiologist gets the best view of the affected part.
- After the test is complete, you may be asked to stay in the vicinity for a while. In between which, the specialists get the results and review it.
Conclusion
Fluoroscopy is a powerful form of medical imaging that makes it easier for doctors and patients to manage diseases. A concise definition of fluoroscopy is the production of visually enticing and full-of-motion images of the internal body with the help of X-rays. Fluoroscopy involves the use of a contrast liquid which enters the body to increase visual clarity. It can either be used for diagnostic intent or to aid an interventional, surgical process. It makes the treatment of diseases easier as the healthcare specialist can view the bodily mechanism better.
