Fluoroscopy

Diagnostic Services

Fluoroscopy is a technique for obtaining “live” x-ray images of a 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?

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses x-ray to obtain real-time moving images of the interior of your body. 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. However, the Radiologists and Technologists 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?

A procedure varies depending on the type of test ordered.

How does Advanced Radiology use Fluoroscopy?

– Guide the radiologist when placing a needle for ESI’s or Neuroforaminal Injections

– Ensure normal, unblocked ureters, and fallopian tubes

– During a myelogram or arthrogram

– During an upper or lower gastrointestinal exam, barium enema, esophagram or small bowel follow through

– During Vertebroplasty

– Cystograms

– Voiding Cystourethrogram