Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy and angiography are special applications of X-ray imaging, in which a beam intensifier tube and fluorescent screen connected to a closed circuit television system. This allows real-time imaging moving structures or coupled with radiocontrast agents. Radiocontrast agent administered, often swallowed or injected into the patient, to describe the anatomy and function of blood vessels, urinary tract and genital system or digestive system. Two radiocontrasts currently being used. Barium (as BaSO4) may be given orally or rectally for evaluation of the Digestive tract. Iodine, in some form of proprietary, may be given by oral, rectal, intraarterial or intravenous route. These radiocontrast agents strongly absorb or scatter X-ray radiation, and in conjunction with real-time imaging allows demonstration of dynamic processes, such as peristalsis in the digestive tract or blood flow in arteries and veins. Iodine contrast may also be concentrated in areas that are not normal more or less than in normal tissues and make abnormalities (tumors, cysts, inflammation) more conspicuous. In addition, under certain circumstances air can be used as contrast agents for gastrointestinal system and carbon dioxide can be used as a contrast agent in the venous system; This will in this case, the contrast agent at least weaken the x-ray radiation is less than the surrounding tissue.