Fluoroscopy is a medical imaging exam that uses X-rays to create dynamic images of the inside of the body (i.e real-time imaging and short movies of the body). This allows doctors (e.g. interventional radiologist, surgeons, etc) to see internal organs, tissues, and abnormalities. Since the x-rays pass through the body the images are made are projections through the body and often include x-ray contrast agents such as iodine, barium and air.

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What examinations might include fluoroscopy, i.e. what procedures are included in diagnostic fluoroscopy?
Barium swallow or upper gastrointestinal (GI) series which looks at the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The patient drinks a solution containing barium, which shows up on the X-ray images and helps to outline the digestive tract.
Hysterosalpingography which is used to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes. Iodinated contrast is injected through the cervix, and the images produced by the fluoroscope allow the doctor to see the shape and size of the uterus and fallopian tubes and check for any blockages or abnormalities.
Arthrography which is used to look at joints such as the shoulder, hip, or knee. Iodinated contrast is injected into the joint, and the fluoroscope is used to produce images that show the inside of the joint and any problems such as torn cartilage or arthritis.
Angiography is used to look at the blood vessels and can be used to diagnose problems such as blockages or aneurysms. A special dye is injected into the blood vessels, and the fluoroscope is used to produce images that show the inside of the blood vessels and any problems.
Myelography is used to evaluate the spinal cord and has been replaced to a large extent by CT or MRI examinations but fluoroscopic guidance can still be used to guide the contrast injection.
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What interventional procedures include fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy is used for a number of interventional procedures including: joint, spine, neuro interventions and cardiac catheterizations. These procedures include:

Biopsies: During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. Fluoroscopy can be used to guide the biopsy needle to the correct location and ensure that an adequate sample is obtained.
Stent placement: A stent is a small metal mesh tube that is used to hold open a blocked or narrowed blood vessel. Fluoroscopy is used to guide the stent to the correct location and ensure that it is properly placed.
Balloon angioplasty: This procedure is used to widen a blocked or narrowed blood vessel. A small balloon is inflated inside the blood vessel, and fluoroscopy is used to guide the balloon to the correct location and ensure that it is properly inflated.
Vertebroplasty: This procedure is used to stabilize a fractured vertebra (bone in the spine). Fluoroscopy is used to guide the needle to the correct location and ensure that the cement is properly injected into the vertebra.
Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure is used to destroy tissue, such as a tumor or abnormal cells. Fluoroscopy is used to guide the needle (or set of needles) to the correct location and ensure that the radiofrequency energy is delivered to the targeted tissue.
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X-ray tube and Generator: This is the source of the X-rays that are used to produce the images. The X-ray tube is located in the head of the fluoroscopy machine, and it generates X-rays when a high voltage current is passed through it. The generator is the source of the high tube potential in order to power the x-ray tube.
Beam Filtration: In many x-ray systems there are beam filters which can be added from the side such that additional beam filtration can be added over areas which have lower attenuation within the anatomy itself.
Collimator: This is a device that is used to shape the X-ray beam and control the size and shape of the area being imaged. The collimator is located between the X-ray tube and the patient and can be adjusted to change the size and shape of the beam.
Image Receptor (Image Intensifier or Flat Panel Detector (FPD) ): The image receptor converts the remnant x-ray beam to a digital image that is displayed on the monitors.
Dedicated image processing: The raw image data is typically processed through a number of digital image enhancement algorithms before being displayed to the user.
Control panel and footswitch: This is the device that is used to control the fluoroscopy machine and adjust the settings such as the X-ray tube voltage, current, and exposure time. The control panel is typically located on the front of the fluoroscopy machine and includes buttons, switches, and joystick type control that can be used to adjust the settings. The foot pedal is often used also to control the x-ray on and off while the hands are in use.

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