Flouroscopy, or x-ray "movie" that takes more than an hour

Procedure Information

What is Flouroscopy, or an X-ray "movie" that takes more than an hour?

Flouroscopy, or an X-ray movie that takes more than an hour, is a type of imaging test similar to X-rays and CT scans, but with a unique twist. Rather than obtaining a single image, Flouroscopy captures images multiple times over a longer period. These images are then shown together in a "movie" format and are used to help diagnose and monitor movement, tissue and organ changes over time.

Why would I get a Flouroscopy, or an X-ray "movie" that takes more than an hour?

Flouroscopy can be used to help diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions, including artery blockages, digestive problems, blood vessel disorders and more. It can help a doctor to monitor heart function, look for unusual growths, or even pinpoint the exact source of chronic pain.

What happens during a Flouroscopy, or an X-ray "movie" that takes more than an hour?

During a Flouroscopy procedure, the patient lies on a special X-ray table and images are captured using a combination of X-rays and flouroscope. The patient is also asked to move, perform certain tasks or take certain positions while the images are being captured. This helps the doctor to obtain more information about the area under examination.

What to expect after a Flouroscopy, or an X-ray "movie" that takes more than an hour?

After the procedure, there is usually no pain or discomfort. The patient may be asked to relax for several minutes or to get dressed and go home. Patients may need to follow up with the doctor for further testing or for the examination results. After the images are evaluated, the doctor will advise the patient about further steps.

Conclusion

Flouroscopy is a type of imaging test which captures multiple images over time, and is shown together in a "movie" format. This procedure can help doctors diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions. After the procedure, there is usually no discomfort and the patient may need to follow up for further testing or examination results.