Fluoroscopy makes a moving x-ray
picture of internal organs. A constant stream of
X-rays passes through the patient. This casts shadows
of internal organs onto a screen. Because it exposes
the person to more radiation than a standard x-ray,
doctors use it only when they need to see internal
movement. The procedure room may be darkened, so
the examiner can see the screen clearly. For many
tests, fluoroscopy may be only a brief part of the
overall procedure. One use of fluoroscopy is to observe
the lungs and diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle
between the chest and the abdomen. It controls breathing.
Fluoroscopy shows whether it moves properly. It can
also show various parts of the digestive tract. Barium
swallow, upper GI, and barium enema tests all use
fluoroscopy.
Frequently fluoroscopy is used to aide in needle placement
into joints for administration of local anesthesia
or contrast. Finally, it may be used to guide the passage
of catheters or other tools through the body.
At Radiology Associates of Ocala, fluoroscopy is
performed in our Medical Imaging Center and TimberRidge
Imaging Center offices.
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