Fluoroscopy

1143 Words3 Pages

The discovery of fluoroscopy has revolutionised the means physicians view the functions within the body of the patient in order to diagnose and treat (Martin & Harbison, 2006). Although there are many instances where fluoroscopy can be used to benefit patients by providing them with accurate diagnoses, each procedure has risks involved. Fluoroscopic injuries became apparent abruptly after the discovery of x-rays by Roentgen. With time physicians and researchers learned how to efficiently design equipment in order to protect themselves as well as patients against radiation (Balter, 2001). Accordingly, the fluoroscopy procedures used presently have been improved to minimise the frequency and severity of occurrence are considered to be among the safer option to scrutinise the internal structures of the human body (Balter, 2001.).

Inasmuch as fluoroscopy requires the use of x-rays, each procedure holds the same types of health risks to the patient. Deterministic effects which are radiation injuries from fluoroscopy vary according to the radiation dose received by a particular procedure. The two major organs associated with primary concern for deterministic effects are skin and lens of the eye. The reason being is that x-ray beams used in the process expose most of its energy on the epidermis and hence the skin and eyes are most likely to receive a higher doses and increased health risks. Examples of deterministic effects, which can be noticed on the skin include as erythema, cataract, epilation, telangiectasia, ulcers and necrosis. Nevertheless, deterministic effects only occur when the amount of radiation exceeds a certain level. On the other hand, there are small chances of emergence in radiation- induced cancer. Furthermore, su...

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...he radiation dosage and exposure time, while producing a high quality fluoroscopic image. Thus, fluoroscopy is widely used as a safer approach to examine the structures inside the body in the cause of saving lives.

Works Cited

Balter, S., Cusma, J. T., O’hara, M.D. (2001). Interventional Fluoroscopy: physics, technology, and safety. New York: Wiley- Liss.

Bushong, S. C. (1997). Radiologic science for technologists: physics, biology, and protection (6th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby- Year Book. Inc.

Martin, A., & Harbison, S. (2006). An introduction to radiation protection (5th ed.). London: Hodder Arnold.

Fauber, T. L. (2009). Radiographic imaging & exposure (3rd ed.). St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.

Bomford, C.K., & Kunkler, I.H. (2003) Walter and Miller’s Textbook of radiotherapy: radiation, physics, therapy and oncology (6th ed.). London: Churchill Livingstone

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