Digital fluoroscopy is a form of x-ray that allows us to view deep structures of the body in real time. It provides very detailed images of function and structure of areas like the intestines, the bladder, the cardiac muscle and stomach. Unlike regular x-ray which records the image to film, digital fluoroscopy records a series of images to a computer. Once digitized, we can view the area being examined in real time on a computer monitor.

Digital fluoroscopy is used in a wide variety of procedures at EPIC Imaging. We feature the Toshiba EPS Plus and Shimadzu Digital Fluoroscopy systems which provide high-quality images and allow for simultaneous observation, recording and filming of digital images, a feature which eliminates the need for repeat exposures.

Our equipment is inspected annually by a physicist and meets or exceeds government standards. We employ a full staff of only registered technologists to assist our radiologists with fluoroscopy procedures.

Digital fluoroscopy uses a controlled beam of energy that is passed through the body and captured by an image detector. Because the bones, organs and tissues within our bodies are composed of differing densities, the beams move through them differently. Bones for instance will absorb more of the beam than an organ or soft tissue making them appear white or gray on the image while the tissue appears darker.

The image information passes through a one-million pixel camera where it is digitized and sent to the computer. The conversion is immediate and yields a high resolution digital image that we can view much like a movie of what is happening inside the body.

Sometimes digital fluoroscopy makes use of a contrast agent like barium. These agents are radio-opaque liquids which provide a white appearance on the fluoroscopic image. As the agent moves through the exam area, generally an organ, the radiologist is able to track its path and evaluate the organ as it functions as well as size and location.

Digital fluoroscopy is used to help physicians evaluate a wide range of internal function and structure. It is most commonly used:

•  To visualize the digestive tract
•  To observe cardiac movement
•  To assess joint movement
•  In infertility testing