Fluoroscopy

The Fluoroscopy represents a special examination method. In technical language it is also called Fluoroscopy designated. It is an examination method based on X-rays.

What is fluoroscopy?

The fluoroscopy is an examination method in which processes and movements can be traced and mapped using X-rays.

In contrast to simple x-rays, fluoroscopy is a continuous observation. A kind of series of images is generated. This series of pictures makes it possible to make dynamic processes in the human or animal body visible and to observe them in real time.

Function, effect & goals

The fluoroscopy or fluoroscopy is a special X-ray process. Like normal X-rays, the image or images are therefore obtained by means of X-rays.

For the duration of the fluoroscopy, low-dose x-rays are continuously directed onto the patient's body or the part of the body to be imaged. A special detector then catches the X-rays again. From here they are fed to a so-called image converter, which shows the process to be observed in the body on a monitor. The images generated in this way are two-dimensional.

Fluoroscopy is mainly used for diagnostic purposes.The fluoroscopic method has proven itself when it comes to mapping the processes in the esophagus, the stomach, the diaphragm, the duodenum or the entire intestine. A common use case is the investigation of swallowing disorders, for which an altered esophageal motility can be responsible. In addition, fluoroscopy is also suitable for showing venous vessels and for examining the lungs.

For example, pulmonary nodules, i.e. certain types of shading of the lungs, can be localized and mapped. The fluoroscopic procedure is also rarely used in the area of ​​the joints in order to be able to understand the sequence of the joint movement. The examination method of fluoroscopy is also used in the examination of the kidneys and the urinary tract.

A particular advantage of this examination method is the very precise possibility of localizing organs, certain tissues or problem areas in organs. This is due to the fact that the imaging geometry of the fluoroscopy is conical. For this reason it is also partly used by Cone Beam CT or Cone beam tomography spoken.

However, fluoroscopy is not only used for diagnostic purposes. It also plays a major role in surgical interventions. Above all, it is used to check the position of bones, implants and pacemakers. In the same way, fluoroscopy is used for orientation when positioning stents or catheters.

For some fluoroscopic applications, the prior administration of a contrast agent is required. Depending on the organ or joint to be examined, the contrast agent is either swallowed or administered intravenously. Different types of contrast media are used in connection with fluoroscopy. These contrast media are special preparations developed for X-ray procedures. The X-ray contrast media are based either on iodine or on barium. Contrast media are mostly used when it comes to imaging organ movements, such as in the gastrointestinal tract.

If a contrast medium has to be administered for the intended examination, the patient must either drink it beforehand or receive it intravenously.

During the examination, the patient lies either on or in front of a tilting examination table. Sometimes the patient also stands in front of the tiltable examination table. This depends on where the organ or joint being examined is located in the body. Some processes can only be observed when the patient changes position during the examination.

Risks, side effects & dangers

As with any ordinary X-ray examination, X-rays are inevitably used. These are weak X-rays. Nevertheless, the examination is accompanied by radiation exposure, so that fluoroscopy, for example, must not be carried out - at least not without further ado - on pregnant patients.

The intensity of the radiation exposure depends on the purpose for which the fluoroscopy is carried out. In general, the exposure to radiation lasts longer with fluoroscopy than with normal x-rays. However, this does not mean that the radiation exposure must necessarily be higher. This used to be the case because the recording technology was not that well developed.

Today the technique of so-called pulsed fluoroscopy is used. This makes it possible to work with a much lower radiation intensity. If it is only a matter of checking the position in the course of a surgical procedure or prior to another examination, very little radiation is required nowadays. In these cases, fluoroscopy actually gets by with a lower radiation exposure than a classic overview image obtained with normal X-rays.

However, complications can arise if the patient has to take a contrast medium and cannot tolerate it. It happens again and again that patients are allergic to contrast media. Therefore, particular caution is required, especially with patients who are generally prone to allergies. It is therefore advisable for patients who have a known allergy to inform the doctor or medical technician about the allergy in good time. Often, a contrast medium with a different active ingredient can be used. In some cases, the contrast agents can also cause nausea and sensitivity to light following the examination. Depending on the contrast medium used, it may therefore be necessary to avoid direct sunlight for about 24 hours to avoid the formation of pigment spots.