Name of the Procedure:

Pulmonary Ventilation Imaging (Commonly known as Ventilation Scan, V/Q Scan)

Summary

Pulmonary ventilation imaging is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses radioactively labeled gases or aerosols to evaluate the airflow and function of the lungs. This helps healthcare providers to identify areas of the lungs that are under-ventilated or have restricted airflow.

Purpose

Pulmonary ventilation imaging is used to assess lung ventilation and diagnose conditions such as pulmonary embolism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders. The goal of the procedure is to detect abnormalities in lung function and airflow distribution.

Indications

• Shortness of breath or unexplained respiratory symptoms
• Suspected pulmonary embolism
• Evaluation of lung function before surgery
• Monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for lung diseases

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Certain medications might need to be withheld.
• Diagnostic tests such as a chest X-ray are often performed beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. The patient inhales a small amount of radiolabeled gas or aerosol through a mouthpiece or mask.
2. The radiotracer distributes throughout the lungs.
3. A series of images are taken using a gamma camera to capture the distribution of the radiotracer in the lungs.
4. The images are analyzed by a radiologist to detect areas of abnormal ventilation.
   • No anesthesia or sedation is required as the procedure is non-invasive and painless.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

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

Personnel

• Nuclear medicine technologist
• Radiologist

Risks and Complications

• Minimal exposure to radiation, considered low risk
• Rare allergic reaction to the radiotracer
• Slight discomfort from inhaling the radiotracer

Benefits

• Provides detailed information on lung function and ventilation patterns
• Helps in the accurate diagnosis and management of lung diseases
• Non-invasive and painless with quick results

Recovery

• Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
• No specific post-procedure care is required.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results and further treatment.

Alternatives

• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): Assess lung volume and airflow.
• Computerized tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA): Another imaging test for suspected pulmonary embolism.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the chest: Provides detailed lung images without radiation exposure.

Patient Experience

Patients typically find the procedure to be comfortable. The most common sensations include breathing in the radiolabeled gas or aerosol, which is painless. Some might feel slight discomfort from the mouthpiece or mask. No significant pain is associated with the procedure, and minimal to no side effects are expected post-procedure.