Name of the Procedure:

Fluoroscopy (Separate Procedure), up to 1 Hour Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional Time

Summary

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the interior of the body. It allows physicians to view internal organs, blood vessels, or other structures to assist in diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose

Fluoroscopy is used to investigate a variety of medical conditions and guide certain interventional procedures. Its goals include accurately diagnosing conditions, guiding the placement of medical devices, and assessing the functionality of certain organs.

Indications

• Chronic pain
• Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., blockages, reflux)
• Cardiovascular diseases (e.g., catheter placement in angioplasty)
• Orthopedic injuries (e.g., locating fractures)
• Neurological problems (e.g., spinal injections)
• Certain cancers requiring image-guided biopsy

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for several hours prior to the procedure.
• Specific instructions about medication adjustments, particularly if taking blood thinners.
• Diagnostic tests like blood tests or prior imaging studies might be necessary.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned appropriately on the imaging table.
2. Appropriate shielding is used to protect areas of the body not being studied.
3. The physician or technologist will position the fluoroscope to the area of interest.
4. Real-time X-ray images are captured, displaying onto a monitor.
5. The physician may perform the diagnostic evaluation or guided intervention as needed.
6. Contrast agents might be introduced to enhance image quality.
7. The images and findings are then reviewed for diagnosis or further treatment planning.

Tools and technology: Fluoroscope, X-ray machines, lead aprons, and possibly contrast agents. Anesthesia/Sedation: Local anesthesia or sedation may be used depending on the scope and nature of the procedure.

Duration

Typically, the procedure lasts up to 1 hour.

Setting

The procedure is commonly performed in a hospital radiology department or an outpatient imaging center.

Personnel

• Radiologist
• Radiologic technologist
• Nurse (if sedation or additional medical care is needed)
• Physicians from other specialties as necessary (e.g., interventional cardiologist)

Risks and Complications

• Exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation
• Allergic reaction to contrast agents
• Discomfort or pain at injection site
• Rare risks include infection, bleeding, or complications related to medical devices used during the procedure

Benefits

• Provides real-time moving images aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment
• Minimally invasive
• Can guide therapeutic procedures, reducing the need for more invasive surgeries
• Quick recovery time due to non-invasive nature

Recovery

• Post-procedure observation for a short period to monitor for any immediate complications
• Resume normal activities typically the same day, depending on the specific intervention
• Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider
• Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended

Alternatives

• Static imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans
• Ultrasound imaging
• Direct surgical exploration or other image-guided diagnostic procedures Comparative advantages include the lack of ionizing radiation with MRI and ultrasound, though they may not provide real-time imaging and functionality assessment as fluoroscopy does.

Patient Experience

• Mild discomfort during the procedure, especially if contrast agents are injected
• Generally, painless except for potential minor irritation at the injection site
• Post-procedure, some may feel tired or have minor soreness, which usually resolves quickly Pain management and comfort measures will be discussed and provided as needed.