Though Fluoroscopy was in use since the nineties, its medical importance was realised when doctors used special dyes to monitor flow of liquids through various organs. The technique has now been fine-tuned by use of video recording and image intensifiers.

Fluoroscopy is use of video technology to observe moving body parts. This is done by passing x-rays beams through the parts under observation. By doing so, doctors are able to conduct precision diagnoses of the ailment. This is more relevant when some of the delicate dysfunctions are difficult to detect using conventional means such as x-ray films, ultrasound pictures etc as they are static images, where minute details can be missed out. These video clips can be stored as database as hospitals or labs keep case history presently, and on periodic basis compared with retakes for analysing results of treatment given.

Fluoroscopy can be used for any moving parts of the body, however miniscule the movement is. For example in the process of cardiac catheterization, fluoroscopy helps the doctor to observe blood flow in arteries enabling him to detect arterial blockages. In barium x-rays, fluoroscopy facilitates the physician to understand the movement of the intestines as the barium moves through them. Doctors have successfully used Fluoroscopy for cartilage implant in case of bone-joints or repair of tissues in muscular disorders. It is equally usefully for diagnosing ailments related to the digestive, respiratory, urinary or reproductive systems.

Video Fluoroscopy, a trouble-free and safe procedure, has been more useful in detecting anomalies in the body. No known complications have been noticed by doctors or accompanying assistants. Video Fluoroscopy is an important means for recording movements before the treatment as well as when the treatment is in progress. It also helps in observing the results once the treatment is over. Video fluoroscopy helps a doctor to actually observe minute details such as joint movement as well as soft tissue damage not detected during physical examination, normal X-rays, CT or even MRI. Delicate organs like eyes and spinal cord need meticulous diagnosis and fluoroscopy is possibly the best tool doctors can rely upon.

Fluoroscopy procedures are generally performed on an x-ray table, wherein an intravenous line is inserted in the person’s arm or hand. For catheter insertion, as in case of catheter placement or cardiac catheterization, an additional place of insertion is required. A specialized x-ray scanner is then used to generate fluoroscopic images of the body part under observation. A dye is injected in the intravenous line so that the part under observation gets highlighted and can be distinguished properly.

Certain fluoroscopy procedures require special care to be taken once the process is over. For instance, cardiac catheterization generally requires a few hours to recover, as the arm or leg where the procedure has been performed gets immobilized for sometime. Doctors generally recommend rest and other care to be taken depending on the type of fluoroscopy performed.

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