What Is Fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy is a specialized x-ray that produces real-time images of your bones and organs. A continuous, low-dose x-ray beam is passed through your body and the resulting images are displayed on a nearby monitor or computer screen. Patients are sometimes given contrast dye during the procedure. It's a harmless radioactive agent that temporarily makes body tissue more visible to x-rays.
When Is Fluoroscopy Used?
Fluoroscopy is use to examine the gastrointestinal tract, to help place or manipulate catheters, to assist doctors when implanting cardiac devices, and during urological and orthopedic interventions.
What Happens During a Fluoroscopy Procedure?
Most patients will be asked to put on a gown and remove any necklaces, bracelets, piercings, or other jewelry you may be wearing. Depending on the body part being scanned, patients will be required to stand or lay down on the exam table while the technologist conducts the procedure.
What Are the Benefits and Risks?
Fluoroscopy is painless and non-invasive. he amount of radiation you are exposed to depends on the particular type of fluoroscopy you receive, but to minimize exposure, we use digital images and flat-panel detector systems and the lowest acceptable setting for the shortest time necessary to reduce your risk.