Digital Fluroscopy

Charged-Coupled Device (CCD)

Creates electric charge from light; consists of tiled array for large detectors.

Tiling

Arrangement of closely spaced CCDs to form one large detector.

Quantization

Assigns binary values to pixels based on x-ray exposure.

Sampling

Collects exposure data from detectors to release electrons to ADC.

Flat Panel Detectors

Handle rapid sequences up to 60 frames/sec, allowing dynamic range.

Backlighting System

Uses LED array to erase detector images between frames.

Scintillation Detectors

Convert x-ray energy to light; photodetectors create electric charges.

Indirect DR Method 1

Uses phosphor plate with CCD to emit light and create an image.

Indirect DR Method 2

Uses phosphor plate with TFT to convert x-rays to electric charges.

Capture Area

Active area that captures electrons, largest section of DEL.

Storage Area

Non-sensitive areas in DEL that store electrons after capture.

TFT Switch Gate

Controls charge readout; releases electrons to ADC.

Direct Capture

Converts x-rays directly to electric charges without light emission.

Flat Panel Advantages

Compact, faster acquisition, lower doses, better resolution, wider dynamic range.

Fill Factor

Approximately 80%, can increase noise in flat panel detectors.

Patient Dose Reduction Techniques

Includes auto exposure control, virtual collimation, and frame averaging.

Pulsed Fluoro

Intermittent exposure method, reducing patient dose and enhancing safety.

Frame Averaging

Common technique to lower patient dose but may decrease spatial resolution.

Automatic Exposure Rate Control

Automatically adjusts factors to maintain radiation exposure.

Last Image Hold

Holds last captured frame on monitor to reduce continued exposure.

Virtual Collimation

Adjusts collimation settings without additional exposure to the patient.

What is digital fluoroscopy?

Digital fluoroscopy is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to get real-time moving images of the inside of a patient.

What are the advantages of digital fluoroscopy over traditional fluoroscopy?

Advantages include enhanced image quality, reduced radiation exposure, and the ability to digitally manipulate images for better analysis.

What is the primary use of digital fluoroscopy in medicine?

It is primarily used for evaluating the function of organs in real time, such as during gastrointestinal studies or vascular imaging.

What types of procedures are commonly performed using digital fluoroscopy?

Common procedures include barium swallow studies, catheter placements, and orthopedic assessments.

What technology underlies digital fluoroscopy?

Digital fluoroscopy utilizes advanced digital detectors and image processing software to capture and display images.