Fluoroscopy Flashcards

(41 cards)

1
Q

What is fluoroscopy?

What specialities and procedures is it used for?

A

The method of creating x-ray images in rapid succession that gives a real time moving video

  • upper and GI/GU exams
  • vascular surgery
  • orthopaedics
  • emergency cardiac and neuro-imaging
  • non-vascular interventional procedures
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2
Q

What are the components of a fluoroscopic system?

A
  • x-ray tube: generates the x-rays required for imaging
  • image intensifier/flat panel detector: converts the x-ray image into visible light, enhancing the image brightness for better visualisation
  • monitor: displays the real-time images
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3
Q

How does fluoroscopy work?

A
  • x-rays are produced: photons produced when high energy electrons produced by the cathode strike the anode, photons pass through patient, denser tissues e.g. bone absorbs more x-rays so appears lighter (maybe inverted)
  • x rays are converted to digital information
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4
Q

What are some common examples of uses of fluoroscopy?

A
  • barium swallow: assesses hypopharynx, swallowing mechanism, oesophagus and stomach
  • proctograms: assesses movement of pelvic floor while defecating
  • hysterosalpingograms (HSG): fallopian tubes, filling of uterus
  • sialography: salivary glands
  • urethrogram: male urethra, narrowing
  • angiograms: narrowing/dissections of blood vessels, flow, pressure, cardiac and vascular procedures
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5
Q

What are the 4 roles of the fluoro, cardio or IR radiographer?

A
  • radiation safety
  • patient positioning
  • improvement of image quality
  • patient care and communication
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6
Q

What to remember about radiation safety in fluoroscopy?

4 methods of dose reduction?

A
  • typically longer exposure times than standard x-ray
  • potential increase in radiation dose to patient and staff

methods of dose reduction:
- time
- distance
- shielding
- pulsed fluoroscopy

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7
Q

What are 4 methods of improving image quality in fluoroscopy?

A
  • patient positioning (aids in dose and image optimisation)
  • patient stability/comfort (reduce movement/avoid blurry images)
  • motion artefacts (breath holds, communication)
  • artefacts (remove where possible, or collimation/reposition)
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8
Q

How do collimators help in fluoroscopy?

A
  • narrow and focus x-ray beam: limit beam to area of interest, minimising scatter
  • minimise dose: reducing beam size lowers patient exposure to unnecessary radiation
  • improve image quality: limiting scatter = clearer images with better contrast
  • control magnification and field size: helps maintain correct field size, avoiding distortion or incorrect magnification
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9
Q

What does copper filtration do?

A
  • absorbs low energy x-rays: that don’t contribute to imaging but increase radiation dose
  • reduces unnecessary dose: to the patient
  • improves image quality: higher energy x-rays penetrate tissue more effectively, providing clearer, more detailed images
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10
Q

How is magnification helpful?

Effect on dose?

A
  • method that increases detail of anatomical structures: enhances sharpness, increases accuracy
  • useful for procedures that require clear visualisation of fine details: blood vessels, delicate tissues, small lesions
  • improves accuracy and enables more precise interventions
  • higher magnification -> increases radiation. to maintain image clarity at a close range, the x-ray beam intensity must be increased - leading
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11
Q

What are the benefits and limitations of continuous fluoroscopy?

A

Benefits
- real time imaging: of moving organs and procedures
- smooth visualisation: uninterrupted imaging
- immediate detection: of anatomical changes or abnormalities

Limitations
- higher radiation dose: to patients and staff due to constant x-ray emission
- risk of overexposure: if not carefully managed, risk of radiation-related complications

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12
Q

What are the benefits and limitations of pulsed fluoroscopy?

A

Benefits
- reduced radiation dose: short bursts of x-ray emission
- lower heat generation: longer procedures without overheating x-ray tube
- optimised image quality: balances dose reduction with clear imaging

Limitations
- temporal gaps: intermittent images, may miss fast-moving objects/processes
- reduced motion detail: less effective for procedures requiring continuous motion analysis
- potential artefacts: due to temporal gaps, which may affect image quality

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13
Q

What are the key documents?

A
  • Local rules: essential for safeguarding patients and healthcare professionals, and ensures proper functioning of equipment
  • DRLs
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14
Q

What is important to remember in terms of safety?

A
  • correct SID - ensures clear sharp images, crucial for accurate diagnosis
  • proper SID controls radiation exposure, necessary dose without overexposure
  • correct distance also reduces radiation and scatter exposure to staff
  • inverse square law - radiation intensity decreases with distance, doubling distance reduces exposure to 1/4 of original
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15
Q

What are the regulations and rules to follow for the radiographer?

A
  • IR(ME)R 2017
  • justification = benefits should outweigh risks
  • optimal imaging = appropriate imaging procedures for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plans
  • preventing accidents = patient positioning and movement guidelines, enhancing safety and wellbeing
  • training: guidelines in local rules for staff, ensure those in the MDT understand risks associated with fluoroscopy
  • PPE = lead aprons, thyroid shields etc, to safeguard from radiation exposure. additional = face shields, lead screens, safety goggles for radiation protection
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16
Q

Why are lead aprons important?

What 3 things must you ensure about them?

A
  • radiation protection for healthcare workers
  • lined with lead equivalent materials
  • shield radiosensitive organs, and protects from scattered radiation
  • thyroid shields

1) correct fit: cover necessary areas (long bones)
2) storage: stored properly, racks and hangers to maintain shape, otherwise -> cracks, weak points in lead lining, reducing effectiveness
3) inspection: regular inspection and testing - so no signs of wear or damage to compromise their shielding effectiveness.

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17
Q

REFERRAL GUIDELINES
- what should referrals be based on?
- what are SOPs?
- what are PGDs?
- why are protocols important?

A
  • based on medical necessity and clinical justification
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), in place to vet examinations, ensuring that each referral is appropriate and aligned with best practices
  • Patient Group Directions (PGDs), ensure the correct medications are administered safely and effectively during fluoroscopy procedures
  • they outline imaging techniques and troubleshooting methods to standardise procedures and enhance diagnostic accuracy
18
Q

DOSE LIMITATION
- what are the protocols in regards to ‘occupational exposures’ (staff)
- what are the protocols in regards to ‘public exposures’ (public)

A
  • healthcare professionals must receive training and undergo monitoring to ensure their radiation exposure remains below established dose limits
  • measures should be in place to protect members of the public, including patients’ relatives and caregivers, from unnecessary radiation exposure
19
Q

RADIATION MEASUREMENT/DOSE
- what is Dose Area Product (DAP)?
- what is Air Kerma?
- what is Peak Skin Dose (PSD)?

A
  • DAP measures the total radiation, considering both the intensity of the x-ray beam and the duration of the exposure
  • Air Kerma refers to the amount of radiation energy deposited in air when X-rays are administered, indicating the radiation dose delivered to a specific area
  • PSD represents the maximum amount of radiation exposure to a specific area of the patient’s skin, important for assessing potential skin reactions
20
Q

EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
- why must fluoroscopy equipment be well-maintained?
- why is quality assurance (QA) important?

A
  • must be regularly calibrated and well-maintained to ensure accurate dose delivery and reliable imaging performance.
  • comprehensive QA programs should be implemented to continuously monitor and maintain the performance of the equipment, ensuring it meets safety and efficacy standards.
21
Q

What sort of training is required for staff in fluoroscopy?

A
  • healthcare professionals utilising fluoroscopy must receive comprehensive training on its safe use and radiation protection measures to minimise risks
  • specific equipment training for specialist equipment
  • training to conduct advanced practice procedures local sign off and audit
  • post graduate training
  • reporting and advising medical staff
22
Q

What is patient consent and why is it done?

A
  • patients should be fully informed about the procedure, including its risks, benefits and available alternatives.
  • informed consent must be obtained prior to the procedure to ensure patients understand and agree to the process.
23
Q

What are the benefits of flat panel detectors in fluoroscopy?

A
  • enhanced image quality: flat panel detectors provide superior image resolution and contrast, improving diagnostic accuracy
  • reduced radiation dose: these systems enable lower radiation exposure for patients while maintaining high image quality
  • improved diagnostic capabilities: enhanced sensitivity and dynamic range allow for better visualisation of complex anatomical structures and conditions
24
Q

What are the types of flat panel detectors?

A

INDIRECT FPDs
- scintillator (e.g. caesium iodide) - converts x-rays into visible light
- photodiode: converts light into electrical signals

DIRECT FPDs
- photoconductor (e.g. amorphous selenium) - converts x-rays directly into electrical charges
- provides BETTER spatial resolution than indirect FPDs

25
What is the concept and process behind indirect conversion FPDs?
INDIRECT - scintillator such as CsI absorbs x-rays and convert it into light photons. - the light photons are detected by an array of photodiodes or amorphous silicon thin-film transistors (TFT) placed behind the scintillator - these are then converted into electrical signals - these electrical signals are converted to digital images on a monitor
26
What is the concept and process behind direct conversion FPDs? How is it different to indirect?
- eliminates the need for a scintillator and instead uses a layer of amorphous selenium for the detector material - when x-rays interact with the selenium, they generate electron-hole pairs creating an electrical charge - electrical charge collected by TFT integrated onto the surface of the selenium - collected electrical charge signals are processed and converted into a digital image
27
advantages of direct FPDs? advantages + disadvantages of indirect FPDs?
Direct - convert x-ray electrons directly into images - advantages: high spatial resolution, effective for low energy x-rays (e.g. mammography) indirect - convert x-rays to visible light, then to electrons for image formation - advantages: faster, more cost-effective, and efficient - disadvantages: requires higher radiation doses and provides lower resolution. - commonly used in TFT fluoroscopy/angiography and CCD for general radiology
28
What is pulse width in fluoroscopy? What is it's impact on radiation exposure? What is the importance of balance?
- definition: pulse width refers to the duration of time that radiation is emitted during fluoroscopy - impact: correct selection of examination parameters and choice of exam protocol, including pulse width, directly affects radiation exposure to both patients and staff - achieving the right balance in pulse width is crucial to ensure clear and accurate imaging while minimising unnecessary radiation exposure
29
What is LAG/signal retention in fluoroscopy? Its impact on image quality? Its effect on motion?
= persistence of the image on the screen following x-ray exposure - this can degrade image quality, leading to blurriness and obscuring fine details - lag can result in delayed visualisation of moving structures, complicating the assessment of dynamic processes
30
What is frame integration time? What is its impact on image quality? What is important to balance?
- refers to duration required to collect x-ray data and generate a complete image during real-time procedures impact on image quality - longer integration times: collect more x-ray data, resulting in smoother, clearer images. However, this may increase the radiation dose to the patient. - short integration times: capture less data, which can lead to grainy images, While this reduces radiation exposure, it may compromise image quality. - balancing quality and dose: finding the right balance between integration time and radiation dose is crucial for optimising image quality while minimising exposure.
31
What is recursive filtering in fluoroscopy? What does perceptual integration do? What are the benefits?
- A recursive filtering technique enhances image quality by adjusting based on data from previous images, resulting in a smoother and clearer final picture. - This method leverages perceptual integration, allowing the brain to combine multiple image frames for improved clarity and detail. - By utilising recursive filters, fluoroscopy systems can effectively reduce noise and artefacts, leading to better diagnostic outcomes.
32
Image post-processing What is digital enhancement? What is edge enhancement?
- digital enhancement: take advantage of post-processing tools available in modern fluoroscopy systems to enhance image quality digitally - edge enhancement: use edge enhancement algorithms to sharpen the borders of structures, improving their visibility.
33
Under vs Over Couch Systems - what is the difference between them in x-ray tube positioning? - what is important to consider?
- Over-Couch Systems: X-ray tube is positioned above patient, which can help reduce radiation scatter to healthcare professionals but may increase exposure to the patient. - Under-Couch Systems: The X-ray tube is located beneath the patient, allowing for more direct imaging of certain areas while potentially increasing scatter radiation exposure to the healthcare team. - Safety must be considered, x-ray tube positioning is crucial to minimise radiation exposure to both patients and healthcare professionals.
34
Under-Couch Fluoroscopy System - Patient exposure? Is it direct or indirect? - Staff exposure? Is there reduced or increased scattered radiation?
patient exposure is INDIRECT - with the x-ray tube positioned beneath the patient table, the primary beam passes through the patient before reaching the detector. This indirect path results in a more diffuse and less concentrated radiation dose. staff exposure is REDUCED SCATTERED RADIATION - although healthcare professionals are still exposed to scattered radiation, the under-couch positioning helps reduce their exposure. The patient's body and the table act as partial shields, decreasing the intensity of scattered radiation that reaches staff members.
35
Over-Couch Fluoroscopy Systems - patient exposure? is it direct or indirect? - staff exposure? is there reduced or increased scattered radiation?
patient exposure is DIRECT - the x-ray tube is positioned above the patient, directing the primary x-ray beam downward. This can lead to higher radiation doses to the patient as the beam is more concentrated. staff exposure is INCREASED SCATTERED RADIATION - healthcare professionals may experience greater exposure to scattered radiation due to the X-ray tube's overhead position. Without the shielding effect of the patient's body, more scattered radiation can reach staff members in the room, necessitating the use of protective measures.
36
CONTRAST MEDIA What are water-soluble iodinated contrast agents effective for? What does this aid with? Give three named examples.
Enhancing the visibility of specific anatomical structures and organs. This aids in diagnosing conditions such as vascular abnormalities, GI disorders, and urinary tract issues, facilitating more accurate assessments and treatment planning. Omnipaque, gastrografin, urografin.
37
Water soluble iodine based contrast - how is useful in: 1) Angiography 2) Gastrointestinal imaging 3) Urinary tract imaging 4) Dynamic studies
Angiography - vascular imaging: iodinated contrast is essential in fluoroscopic angiography for visualising blood vessels, aiding in diagnosis of vascular diseases, aneurysms, blockages. - interventional procedures: nephrostomies, stent placements, embolisation GI imaging - barium replacement: iodinated contrast is preferred when barium is contraindicated, such as in cases of suspected perforation or aspiration. Urinary tract imaging - urography: to visualise the urinary system, helping to identify structures, blockages and tumours. Dynamic studies - Real time imaging: iodinated contrast enables dynamic studies, such as video fluoroscopy examinations, facilitating assessments with speech and language therapists (SALT).
38
What is barium sulphate? How is it an ideal contrast agent?
- a radiopaque contrast medium used in fluoroscopy and other x-ray imaging procedures. It is a white, chalky powder that is mixed with water to form a thick, radio-opaque suspension. - not soluble in water - so ideal contrast agent for imaging the GI tract, including the oesophagus, stomach and intestines. - well tolerated by patients
39
What are some major risks of using barium sulfate in radiology? (in the lungs) What is the treatment for this?
Aspiration into lungs - pneumonia: aspiration of barium sulfate can lead to pneumonitis, causing cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. Rare but serious complication. - airway blockage: barium can obstruct small airways, resulting in breathing difficulties and reduced oxygenation. Treatment - immediate medical attention is essential for barium aspiration. Treatment may include physiotherapy, oxygen therapy, and in severe cases, bronchoscopy to remove the barium.
40
What are some major risks of using barium sulfate in radiology? (in the abdomen) What is the treatment for this?
Entry into body cavities - perforation: if barium sulfate enters a perforated organ or cavity, it can lead to serious complications such as peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal cavity), infection and sepsis. - blockage: barium sulfate may cause gastrointestinal blockages or obstructions Treatment - immediate medical intervention is essential if barium enters body cavities unintentionally. Treatment options may include flushing the affected area, surgical removal or other appropriate measures.
41
Negative contrast media - What is an example? - What does it do? - What are the ingredients? - What are the benefits?
- Carbex - preparation that patients take which expands the stomach and enables clearer diagnostic images to be produced. - active ingredients: sodium bicarbonate, simeticone, citric acid. And an adequate volume of gas which is non-interference with barium coating. - absence of bubbles, rapid disintegration leaving no residue, ease of swallowing and low cost.