FLUOROSCOPY NOTEBOOK

FLUOROSCOPY NOTEBOOK

Part B: List all the components of mobile and fixed fluoroscopy, add a brief description of its
function or purpose.

Tube- High heat capability, low mA settings 0.5-5.0, Image receptor- Image intensifier or flat
panel detector (digital),
C-arm assembly- supports tube and image receptor, keeps them aligned
Recording system- cine, spot films, video systems
Viewing system- cathode ray tubes (CRT), Flat screen monitors
Foot pedal exposure
The image receptor is a TFT flat panel detector or charge- coupled device (CCD) on modern C-
arm or fixed units, and the Image Intensifier can be found on both types of units as well. Usually
more bulky in size on fixed units. The image intensifier is above the patient in fixed fluoroscopy
units, contained in the carriage. The carriage has controls that have a power assist function
that helps to move the bulky Unit. There are shutter controls for collimation, brightness control,
which regulates the tube mA, controls for video recording or spot imaging.
The tube is found under the table at a fixed location of no less than15 inches or 38 cm from the
patient (SOD). The tube used in fluoroscopy is similar to diagnostic radiology elements, with a
vacuum tube that contains a rotating anode and cathode filament, protective covering/shield to
absorb scatter and limited leakage radiation, cooling system of dielectric oil and fans, a port
or window that x-rays exit the tube, high voltage cables at each end for producing the potential
difference in the tube.

Part C: Describe the flow of electrons in a narrative or with bulleted statements beginning at
the source through the image intensifier.

The input phosphor have an efficiency of about 68%. There is a protective coating between the
phosphor layer and the photocathode so there is no chemical interaction of materials.
The photocathode material is cesium and antimony, considered photo-emissive compounds.
This means that it absorbs the light photons and emits electrons (photoemission). This can be
compared to the thermionic emission that occurs in x-ray production at the cathode, except
here the emission is light and not heat.
The electrostatic lenses work in a similar way to the focusing cups, they are negatively charged
and repel the electrons from the photocathode into a focused path that is also an accelerant.
Since the input is larger than the output, the stream of electrons cross and are reversed, so
superior is inferior and left is right, this crossing is called the focal point. The anode is found
immediately before the output screen. It is a circular disc,that is positively charged to maintain
the potential difference, it contains a small hole that allows the electrons to pass through and
hit the output screen.
FLUOROSCOPY NOTEBOOK
FLUOROSCOPY NOTEBOOK
FLUOROSCOPY NOTEBOOK