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 field, reduction of scatter radiation thus resulting in improved image quality and reduced dose.
4. Image Intensifier: After the x-rays have passed through the patient, the x-ray pattern will then reach the image intensifier where they will be converted to light photons resulting in an brightened image increasing visual acuity without increasing dose captured by a video camera which will be immediately displayed onto a digital monitor (ASRT, 2010).
5. Image Receptor (Flat Panel Detector- FPD): This performs the same function as the x-ray image intensifier and video camera put together; however the FPD offers many advantages over the image intensifier (II) set-up. One of which is that it is more compact than the II allowing for increased flexibility of the C-Arm. Older units use the II system, and newer fluoro units are converting to the FPD design.
6. Monitor: Displays the image on high-resolution flat-panel LCD tv screen. There are usually two monitors so that the active image can be displayed on one while the second monitor can be used to hold an image for reference purposes. Based on the preference of the attending surgeon or radiologist, the images can be flipped and rotated as desired. Isn't technology great!
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 field, reduction of scatter radiation thus resulting in improved image quality and reduced dose.
4. Image Intensifier: After the x-rays have passed through the patient, the x-ray pattern will then reach the image intensifier where they will be converted to light photons resulting in an brightened image increasing visual acuity without increasing dose captured by a video camera which will be immediately displayed onto a digital monitor (ASRT, 2010).
5. Image Receptor (Flat Panel Detector- FPD): This performs the same function as the x-ray image intensifier and video camera put together; however the FPD offers many advantages over the image intensifier (II) set-up. One of which is that it is more compact than the II allowing for increased flexibility of the C-Arm. Older units use the II system, and newer fluoro units are converting to the FPD design. 6. Monitor: Displays the image on high-resolution flat-panel LCD tv screen. There are usually two monitors so that the active image can be displayed on one while the second monitor can be used to hold an image for reference purposes. Based on the preference of the attending surgeon or radiologist, the images can be flipped and rotated as desired. Isn't technology great!
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