Name of the Procedure:

Pulmonary Ventilation and Perfusion Imaging (Common name: V/Q Scan)
Technical terms: Ventilation-Perfusion Scan, Lung Scintigraphy

Summary

Pulmonary ventilation and perfusion imaging is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate lung function. It helps doctors see how well air and blood flow through the lungs.

Purpose

This procedure is used to diagnose or rule out conditions like pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs), and to assess lung function in people with chronic lung conditions. The goal is to provide a clear image of airflow and blood flow within the lungs, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Indications

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Suspected pulmonary embolism
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Prior to lung surgery

Preparation

• No special preparation is typically required.
• Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.
• You may be asked to avoid wearing any jewelry or metal accessories.

Procedure Description

1. Ventilation imaging: A patient inhales a harmless radioactive gas or aerosol through a mask. Images are captured as the gas moves through the lungs.
2. Perfusion imaging: A small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into a vein. Images are then taken to see how blood flows through the lungs.
3. The procedure is non-invasive and involves lying down on a table while the images are taken.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30-60 minutes.

Setting

Performed in a hospital's radiology or nuclear medicine department.

Personnel

• Radiologist
• Nuclear medicine technologist
• Nurses

Risks and Complications

• Minimal exposure to radiation
• Rarely, an allergic reaction to the radioactive substance
• Minor discomfort from intravenous injection

Benefits

• Non-invasive with quick recovery
• Accurate diagnostic information for lung conditions
• Critical for diagnosing life-threatening conditions like pulmonary embolism

Recovery

• No specific recovery time needed.
• You can usually resume normal activities immediately.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive material from your body.

Alternatives

• Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the chest
• Ultrasound of the legs to detect deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Patient Experience

• You may feel a slight prick during the injection.
• Some might feel anxious breathing through a mask; relaxing and breathing normally helps.
• No significant pain and minimal discomfort, with patients typically experiencing no side effects.