What is Fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is a technique for obtaining "live" x-ray images of a living patient. It uses a continuous stream of x-ray to evaluate structures and movement within your body. Basically, it enables the physician to use a continuous x-ray to view the movements inside of your body on a computer screen. Fluoroscopy is often used to observe the digestive tract.

How Does Fluoroscopy Work?

The Radiologist uses a switch to control an x-ray beam that is transmitted through the patient. The x-rays then strike a fluorescent plate that is coupled to an "image intensifier" fed into a television camera. The Radiologist can then watch the images "live" on a TV monitor.

When and why is Fluoroscopy used?

Using fluoroscopy, physicians can observe the diaphragm moving up and down, or bowel patterns in the digestive tract. It can be used to evaluate for bowel tumors, obstructive ulcers and inflammatory disease. It can also be used to help a physician position a catheter for a procedure, inject a needle internally, or realign a broken bone.

Fluoroscopy is also used during many diagnostic and therapeutic Radiologic procedures, to observe the action of instruments being used either to diagnose or to treat the patient.

What are the Risks of Fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy emits higher levels of radiation than x-rays. However, the amount of radiation depends on the length of time and dosage of radiation. During long fluoroscopic procedures, the radiation has the potential to burn the skin.

However, the Radiologists and Techs at Advanced Radiology are highly trained to give patients dosages that are not harmful that are within strictly established guidelines. Furthermore, our x-ray machines are calibrated by a physicist to ensure correct radiation calculations.

How long does a Normal Fluoroscopic Procedure Last?

Varies depending on the type of fluoroscopic procedure.

Why choose Advanced Radiology over other options?

Closely located to many of the physicians in town, you can visit your primary care physician then conveniently drive right down the street to our Imaging Center. Your privacy and care are our concern as you can drive right up and park at the front door. You avoid the “hospital”
environment as you briefly lounge in our fireside waiting room and sip some complimentary coffee or tea. Our facility provides a comfortable, private environment with friendly technologists.

Your study is done efficiently and is reviewed by a board certified radiologist. Results are faxed or called to your doctor that SAME DAY. We also often consult your doctor over the phone to eliminate miscommunications in your report. Once again, we offer fast, convenient,
accurate, same day diagnostics and a report back to your doctor that day.

How does Advanced Radiology use Fluoroscopy?

• Guide the doctor in placing a needle
• Ensure normal, unblocked ureters, and fallopian tubes
• Ensure your diaphragm isn’t weak or paralyzed as indicated by uneven diaphragm movement
• Do a myelogram, arthrogram
• Do an upper or lower gastrointestinal exam. Barium enema. Esophagam or small bowel follow through.
• Guide placement of steroids/Vertebroplasty/ Ruphoplasty for compression

Specifically, Advanced Radiology Uses Fluoroscopy for the following procedures:

Arthrogram
Barium Enema
Cystogram
Esophagram/Barium Swallow
Upper GI
Voiding Cystourethrogram
Ultrasound:

• Abdomen Complete (GB, Liver, Pancreas, Renal, Spleen)
• Aorta
• Breast RT or LT o’clock area of Interest
• Breast Viopsy RT or Lt
• Breast Cyst Aspiration RT or LT
• Carotid Doppler
• Hysterosonography
• OB 1st Trimester
• OB 2cnd/3rd Trimester
• Paracentesis
• Pelvis with Transvagina
• Rebal/ Retroperitoneum
• Renal Artery Doppler
• Scrotum/ Testicular
• Thyroid
• Thyroid Biopsy RT or LT
• Thoracentesis
• Other