What is fluoroscopy?

Fluoroscopy is a medical imaging modality that uses x-rays to obtain real-time moving images of a patient’s internal structures. It is commonly employed to visualize various organs, tissues, and physiological processes within the body, such as the skeletal, digestive, urinary, and cardiovascular systems.

During a fluoroscopy procedure the patient is positioned between an x-ray tube and a fluorescent screen or a digital detector, much like with a typical radiography machine. The tube emits a continuous beam of x-rays that pass through the patient’s body and are absorbed by the detector, generating a series of images. This enables the physician to observe in real time the dynamic movement of internal processes, such as the passage of contrast agents through blood vessels or the function of the heart or intestines.

Fluoroscopy can be used for various diagnostic and interventional purposes. It can help in diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders, cardiac abnormalities, lung diseases, urinary tract problems, and joint or bone conditions. It is also often utilized in procedures—such as angiography, cardiac catheterization, placement of stents, or joint injections—to guide the physician’s actions and ensure accurate treatment delivery.

While fluoroscopy provides valuable visual information, it also exposes patients to ionizing radiation. Medical professionals therefore take precautions to minimize radiation exposure to the patient and to the surrounding staff. For the patient, lead blocks called collimators are used to confine the x-ray beam to the specific area of interest. In addition, different x-ray intensity modes are available, and physicians choose the best option for the patient and procedure being performed. Also, the angle of entry is often changed to minimize exposure to the same area of skin during long procedures.

Dose monitoring systems are utilized to track and record the amount of radiation delivered to the patient during the procedure. This helps healthcare professionals ensure that the benefits of the examination outweigh the potential risks. Should the dose tracking indicate prolonged exposure over established thresholds, a post-procedure follow-up care plan may be pursued.

To minimize exposure to the staff, lead aprons are worn for each procedure, physical distance from the source is maximized when possible, and the amount of “on time” when x-rays are exposing the patient is limited. This practice is known as the ALARA (“as low as reasonably achievable”) principle.

These practices minimize radiation exposure to the patient and staff while maintaining the image quality needed to perform the procedure.

Fluoroscopy rooms are specialized medical imaging suites equipped with a fluoroscope. These rooms are designed to facilitate various medical procedures and interventions. Below is a summary of the different types of fluoroscopy rooms which are commonly used:

1. Diagnostic Fluoroscopy Room: This type of room is primarily used for diagnostic purposes, such as examining the digestive system, joints, blood vessels, or urinary tract. It typically features a stationary fluoroscope mounted on a ceiling or floor stand, allowing the physician to observe the X-ray images on a monitor in real-time.
2. Interventional Fluoroscopy Room: Interventional fluoroscopy rooms are designed for minimally invasive procedures that require real-time imaging guidance. These rooms usually have a larger space to accommodate multiple medical personnel and equipment. They often include a specialized table that can be maneuvered in different positions, allowing the physician to perform precise interventions while continuously monitoring the x-ray images.
3. Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: Cardiac catheterization labs are specialized fluoroscopy rooms focused on diagnosing and treating heart-related conditions. They are equipped with advanced imaging technology to visualize the heart and its blood vessels. In addition to fluoroscopy, these labs may have additional tools like echocardiography and intravascular ultrasound to aid in the procedures.
4. Operating Room (OR) Fluoroscopy Room: Some complex surgical procedures require fluoroscopy to guide the surgeon. OR fluoroscopy rooms are integrated into operating suites to provide real-time imaging capabilities during surgery. These rooms are designed to accommodate both surgical equipment and fluoroscopy equipment while maintaining a sterile environment.
5. Mobile Fluoroscopy Unit: Mobile fluoroscopy units are portable systems that can be moved between different locations within a healthcare facility. These units are useful when immediate imaging is required in various departments, such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, or operating rooms.

Each type of fluoroscopy room or unit is tailored to specific medical needs and procedures, aiming to provide accurate and real-time imaging guidance during diagnostic examinations or interventions.