L5. X-Ray Applications Flashcards
Fluoroscopy is a form of..
Real-time X-ray imaging.
Dynamic imaging technique, typically uses fluorescent materials to convert X-rays into visible light on a phosphor screen
Fluoroscopy is used for..
Imaging motions within the body
Image quality of Fluoroscopy vs single image receptors
Lower quality in terms of spatial resolution, noise and contrast
C-Arm
Medical imaging device, mobile
Based on X-ray imaging technology
Can be used flexibly in various ORs in clinics
Name derivation: C-shaped arm, used to connect X-ray source and X-ray detector to one another
O-Arm
Mobile, medical imaging device
Based on X-ray technology
Can be used flexibly in various ORs in clinics
Name derivation: O-shaped arm to connect source to detector to one another
Multi-dimensional surgical imaging platform designed for use in:
-spine,
-orthopaedic and
-trauma-related surgeries
Angiography
Used to visualise inside of blood vessels and organs of body
Particular interest in arteries, veins and heart chambers
Traditionally done by injecting a radio-opaque contrast agent into the blood vesssel and imaging using X-ray based techniques like fluoroscopy
Mammography
Specialized medical imaging
Uses low-dose X-ray systems to see inside of breasts
Aids in detection and diagnosis of breast diseases
Differences between mammography and other X-ray modalities
Low tube potentials in range of 25 kV to 35 kV may be used
Anode target materials OTHER than Tungsten have been used as standard (molybdenum, rhodium)
K-edge filters made from molybdenum, rhodium and silver
Recent advances in mammography
Digital mammography
Computer-aided detection
Breast tomosynthesis
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis
DBT, advanced form of breast imaging
Multiple images of the breast from different angles are captured, then reconstructed into 3D image set
(Similar to CT)
Radiation dose is higher than in mammography
Studies show screening with DBT results in improved breast cancer detection rates and fewer call-backs
Breast tomosynthesis may result in:
Earlier detection of small breast cancers that may be hidden on a conventional mammogram
Greater accuracy in pinpointing size, shape and location of breast abnormalities
Fewer unnecessary biopsies or additional test
Greater likelihood of detecting multiple breast tumors
Clearer images of abnormalities within dense breast tissue
DEXA
Bone densitometry or Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry
Uses very small dose of ionizing radiation to measure bone density loss
Commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis and assess an individual’s risk of developing fractures
Simple, quick, non-invasive
Most accurate method of diagnosing osteoporosis
Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Special type of X-ray machine
Used in situation where regular dental or facial X-rays aren’t sufficient
Shouldn’t be used routinely as radiation exposure is significantly more than regular dental X-rays
Uses special type of technology to create 3D images of:
-dental structures
-soft tissues
-nerve paths
-bone in the craniofacial region
In a single scan
Images obtained from cone beam CT allow for more precise treatment planning
Not same as conventional CT
-however, can be used to produce images similar to CT’s
X-ray beam in the shape of a cone is moved around the patient to produce a large number of images
Recently, system using CBCT technology to image extremities was developed
Panoramic/ Cephalometric Systems
2D dental X-ray exam, captures entire mouth in a single image
Panoramic X-ray produces flat image of jaw structure
Usually provides details of bones and teeth
Unlike traditional intraoral x-ray where the film/detector is placed inside the mouth, the film for panoramic is contained inside the machine
Cephalometric X-ray enables capture of complete radiographic image of the side of the face
Minimum number of frames in order to produce a smooth real-time moving image
30 frames/sec
