Fluoroscopy is an essential imaging technology used to visualize moving images of internal bodily structures for analysis, diagnosis and treatment. Fluoroscopy uses a continuous X-ray beam to create dynamic images that are displayed on a monitor in real-time, creating a sort of X-ray movie of the body’s interior. Fluoroscopy allows your radiologist and referring clinician to observe and even treat various structures and processes within your body.
Fluoroscopy Applications
Fluoroscopy is an analytical, diagnostic and/or treatment tool used for the following:
Gastrointestinal Tract Evaluation – Fluoroscopy is commonly used to evaluate the functioning and anatomy of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Its imaging can help visualize the esophagus, stomach, diaphragm, and small and large intestines. When needed to enhance details, a barium contrast agent is used to improve the clarity of soft tissues and organs. Barium enemas, esophagrams, and upper GI's for example, utilize fluoroscopy to track the movement of barium through the gastrointestinal tract, highlighting any abnormalities. Fluoroscopy aids in diagnosing conditions like esophageal reflux, swallowing disorders (dysphagia), ulcers, bowel obstructions and other issues.
Interventional Procedures – Fluoroscopy is integral to the practice of interventional radiology by providing pinpoint guidance for the placement of catheters, stents, and other devices for treating conditions like arterial blockages, embolization and abscesses.
Joint Injections and Aspirations – Fluoroscopy assists with arthrography (joint visualization) to guide needle placements during joint injections and aspirations. Its detailed imaging helps ensure accuracy and safety in delivering pain medications or removing fluid from the joints.
Urological Studies – Fluoroscopy can visualize the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters and bladder, to detect abnormalities like reflux.
Spinal Procedures – For certain spinal interventions, such as epidural steroid injections or facet joint injections, fluoroscopy provides real-time guidance to ensure precise needle placement near specific nerves or joints.
The Pros and Cons of Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy offers numerous advantages for both diagnostic and interventional procedures. However, like any medical procedure, it may present certain drawbacks. Listed here are some of the key pros and cons of fluoroscopy:
The Pros:
Real-time Imaging – Fluoroscopy provides dynamic, real-time images, allowing your radiologist and referring clinician to observe the present movement and functioning of internal structures. During interventional procedures and functional studies, fluoroscopy allows your radiologist to directly examine the effects of therapeutic interventions, and prompts any needed adjustments. Use of a contrast agent allows your radiologist to assess the flow of the agent through your bodily structures, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions.
Visualization of Soft Tissues – Unlike conventional X-rays that primarily show bone structures, fluoroscopy allows the picturing of soft tissues and organs, making it useful for examining the gastrointestinal tract, urinary system, blood vessels, and other areas. Fluoroscopy is widely used in interventional radiology procedures like catheterization, angioplasty, embolization, stent placement, and other treatments for various vascular conditions.
Procedure Guidance - Fluoroscopy helps guide numerous medical procedures, including catheter insertions, joint injections, and biopsy collection. It enhances accuracy and can reduce the need for exploratory surgeries.
Immediate Feedback – Since fluoroscopy images are displayed in real-time, medical professionals can readily determine the diagnosis.
The Cons:
Radiation Exposure – Because it is a sophisticated form of X-ray, fluoroscopy does involve some exposure to ionizing radiation. While the lowest possible effective radiation dose is used, repeated or prolonged fluoroscopic studies do increase one’s lifetime radiation exposure.
Less Detail than Other Studies – While fluoroscopy does well at visualizing soft tissues, the level of detail may be inferior to modalities like MRI or CT. In some cases, additional imaging may be necessary for a more comprehensive evaluation.
Pregnancy Cautions – Special care must be taken when using fluoroscopy on pregnant women and younger children due to the potential risk of increased radiation sensitivity.
Your doctor and radiologist will carefully weigh the risks versus benefits of fluoroscopy in your care. RAO provides state-of-the-art fluoroscopy at our Medical Imaging Center and TimberRidge Imaging Center. Both centers feature highly trained and experienced technologists who have undergone advanced training in fluoroscopy safety and accuracy. All studies are carefully scrutinized by our on-site team of Board-certified radiologists, for the greatest measure of accuracy, security and comfort.
