How Conventional Fluoroscopy Produces the Series of Images that Make a Video - Essay Example

A series of images are captured at very high speeds. These images are taken at the same speed as they are captured so that they appear to be a video. Since the speed of the images is so fast, the eyes are unable to differentiate between the individual pictures and perceive them to be one moving picture. Before the procedure is started the shutter speed of the cameras is synchronized with the frequency of pulses so that there is no destructive overlap between the two.

The size of the image depends upon the position of the focal point which can be altered by varying the voltage supplied to the electrostatic lenses. A greater voltage causes a greater acceleration causing the focal point to move closer and hence producing a magnified image.

Since magnification involves the movement of the focal point, a particular part of the body is focused and magnified. Another way to achieve greater magnification is by varying the distance between the patient’s body and the focal point. The closer the focal point the bigger the size of the image.

During the magnification, the distance between the focal point and the patient’s body is reduced, meaning that more beams get focused onto a particular spot, hence increasing the radiation exposure for the patient. High radiation exposure is harmful and this is the reason why magnification mode is only used when it is necessary to observe intricate details.

Automatic Brightness Control(ABC) as the name suggests is an automatic system that adjusts various factors to maintain the desired brightness. The ABC system keeps in check the flow of current between the two terminals and also monitors the intensity of the output screen. As soon as the current or intensity falters, the ABC alters the current, voltage, or pulse rate to maintain the brightness. All of these methods are used simultaneously in coordination with one another, eg. The voltage may be lowered while the current increases at the same time to maintain the desired brightness and contrast.5. This should also include all the parts of the fluoroscopic unit necessary in producing the images.  The main components of the fluoroscopic unit include the two end terminals called the cathode and the anode, the electrostatic lens, the output fluorescent screen, and the glass envelope.

The voltage between the anode and the cathode is used to accelerate the electron stream. The glass envelope serves as insulation for the whole unit. Within the glass, the envelope is several charged electrodes referred to as electrostatic lenses. The purpose of these lenses is to focus the image-carrying electron stream. The output fluorescent screen shows the output image as received by the reflected streams from the patient’s body. Through the above insight into the fluoroscopic technique, it can be said it is a remarkable non-invasive technique that allows the images of internal structures to be constructed.

These images can be altered to the desired magnification, brightness, and contrast as desired by the doctor and therefore it is a very useful medical technique. However, like everything, it has its drawbacks the most important of which is that the exposure time should be kept to its minimum or the patient may undergo harmful mutation.