Zoe's "Take" on Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy units are incredible tools that have added a whole new dynamic to medical imaging-- literally ;).  Though there are risks involved, the diagnostic benefits far outweigh these risks. For this unit to really be of advantage to radiologic imaging operators such as techs and rads, it's important that we be familiar with the unit and it's components, know how to operate it safely, protect those involved in the procedures from unnecessary radiation, and understand all that is involved in maneuvering and manipulating the equipment.  So be careful out there and use fluoro wisely!  Thanks for tuning in to "Zoe's 'Take' on Fluoroscopy"!

For the protection and safety of radiation workers ands staff, it is very important to limit the amount of dose as much as possible.   It is our responsibility as radiation workers to keep radiation exposure ALARA- As Low As Reasonably Achievable!  In addition to the three keys (time, distance, and shielding) of radiation safety and protection, there are other ways to manage dose.  For example, the number of image taken and repeated.  During fluoroscopy, setting the number of frames per second is one way the radiologist can limit patient dose.  The more frames (or pictures) taken per second, the more radiation being exposed to the patient and surrounding people (ASRT, 2010).  In order to effectively protect workers and patients, dose limits have been established.  Check out the table below!... sorry for the poor quality screenshot.  Note: Dose equivalent is measured in Sieverts and/ or rems. (1 rem= .01 Sv)  Statkiewicz-Sherer, Mary Alice...

Date: June 5, 2017 Location: St. Luke's Elmore Clinic Time: 0830 Duration of exam: 1 hour This was it... my first day, my first hour, my first live  exam.  "Zoe, we have a shoulder Arthrogram case if you want to join in."  I was so excited about this opportunity, especially to finally rock the bright pink Nike glasses that I had bought for a real life fluoroscopy exam!  Olivia, the tech I was assisting, was so knowledgeable and really prepared me for everything that was about to take place during the exam.  Everything from the supplies needed, room prep, the doctor's personality and preferences (such as image display: viewing the image in either negative or positive contrast. Bone will appear black in negative contrast.), where I should stand and what to watch out for, procedure duration, patient care, and more!  My greatest fears were if I were to accidentally contaminate sterile f...

As mentioned before in "Take 4," the Image Intensifier (II) and Flat Panel Detector (FPD) are important fluoroscopic components that function similarly yet are different.  Since we know that the purpose of each component is to brighten the image without increasing dose, here is a brief comparison of the difference of both the II and FPD. Here is what's different about the II: Consists of input phosphor, photocathode, electrostatic focusing lenses, anode, output phosphor, and glass envelope Input phosphor: absorb and convert x-rays to light photons Photocathode: absorbs the light created by input phosphor and then emits photo(light)electrons Electrostatic focusing lenses: guides and directs photoelectrons to output phosphor Anode : these photoelectrons then pass through the anode Output Phosphor: converts the photoelectrons that exited the anode to light photons Here is what's different about the FPD: "All flat panel detectors used in radiol...

The C-Arm offers a variety of control panel options, all of the which the tech should be familiar with.  Depending on the type of C-Arm unit, the control panel may be on an (un)attached remote control, on the mobile unit itself, or perhaps on the monitor cart and may consist of five categories: orientation, collimation, contrast, generator and workstation (ASRT, 2010).  Check out the list below for a brief description of each of the operation modes! Magnification mode: This mode allows the image to be magnified at any time Pulse Mode: This mode reduces dose by creating an x-ray beam that pulsates at times increments resulting in a significant reduction of patient dose. Digital Spot Mode (Snapshot): This activates a digital spot resulting in an improved computer- enhanced image as compared with a half fluoro image. Auto/ Manual Exposure Control: This simply means that exposure can be made manually by the operator or automatically by the use of an AEC. ...

Radiation protection is one of they most crucial aspects during fluoroscopic exams due to the increase in radiation exposure and dose.  Time, distance, shielding--these are the three cardinal principles of radiation protections.  Let's take a closer look at each of these... First, let's discuss the time factor of protection.  The amount (mA) of x-rays being radiated can be reduced merely by reducing the time (s) that the x-ray tube is activated.  Intermittent fluoroscopy practice and the "image freeze" function can significantly reduce the amount of time radiation is being used.  The technologist should help keep the attending radiologist aware of fluoroscopy time.   Secondly, increasing the distance between the x-ray tube technologist(s) is one of the most effective ways to reduce dose. This is also where the Inverse Square Law is effective.  The law states that intensity of the x-ray beam is inversely related to the distance squared.  Meanin...

The fluoroscope unit is similar to that of a general x-ray unit; however there is one key difference-- it's flipped flopped.  On a regular x-ray unit, the tube is positioned above the patient table and the image receptor is underneath the patient.  On the other hand, the fluoro x-ray tube is located underneath the patient table and the image receptor above.  Here is a simple description of each of the components of the fluoroscopy unit:   1.   Generator : This is important for converting the alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) which then allows for the adjustment of mAs and kVp as well as to select pulsed fluoroscopy (ASRT, 2010). 2.   X-Ray Tube :  This is contained within a glass or metal tube to help prevent leakage and scatter radiation.  DC will flow from cathode to anode; and once the electrons reach the anode, x-rays are produced.   3.   Collimator: Blades that allow for modification of shape/size of x-ray fie...

In 1955, the same year  Gunsmoke  made its first debut on tv as well as the same year Disneyland opened in California, the very first C-Arm was introduced.  This piece of fluoro machinery has made an incredible contribution to the medical field and has become an essential tool in hospital surgical suites and clinics. Trauma, orthopedics, vascular, spinal, cardio--surgeries of all sorts have been taken to a whole new level with this invention.  How so?  During surgeries and procedures, doctors are now able to monitor progress at any time allowing them to ensure proper placement, make corrections as needed, and reduce the risk of mistakes which then results in a decreased number of follow-up operations.  Furthermore, this promotes better overall treatment results and patient recovery. I have always had a desire to work in the medical field, but I never really knew what is what I wanted to do.  That changed two years ago ...