Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique commonly used by physicians or radiation therapists to obtain real time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope. In its simplest form, a fluoroscope consists of an X ray source and fluorescent screen between which a patient is placed. However, modern fluoroscopes couple the screen to an X ray image intensifier and CCD video camera allowing the images to be recorded and played on a monitor. This method may use a contrast material. Examples include cardiac catheterization (to examine for coronary artery blockages) and barium swallow (to examine for esophageal disorders).