Theatre Fluoroscopy

Question 1

What is an Image Intensifier?

Answer 1

• A piece of X-ray equipment which intensifies an image
• It amplifies the light produced by the fluorescent screen allowing it to be seen by the naked eye

Question 2

What are the components of a mobile image intensifier?

Answer 2

• Display Monitors
• Control Panel Screen
• Round Image Detector
• X-ray Tube
• High-Tension Connection Port
• Exposure Switch
• Power Cable
• High-Tension Cable

Question 3

State the technical points in the Image Intensifier

Answer 3

• Tube centred to detector
• Field size and shape correctly aligned to the detector

Question 4

What are the components of the inside of the Image Intensifier

Answer 4

• Thin Protective window (Titanium or Carbon)
• Thin Aluminium substrate coating an input phosphor made of Caesium Iodide
• Photocathode which converts light photons to electrons
• Focusing Electrodes which direct the course of the travelling electrons
• Evacuated Housing and Sheilding
• Anode Assembly
• Thin Output Phosphor made of Zinc Cadmium Sulphide
• Output Window made of glass or fibre optic wires

Question 5

State orthopaedics theatre cases

Answer 5

• DHS
• Tibial Nail Insertion
• Femoral Nail Insertion
• Clavicular ORIF
• Humeral Plating

Question 6

State Urology Theatre Cases

Answer 6

• Ureteric Stent Insertion

Question 7

State Cardiology Theatre Cases

Answer 7

• Pacemake Insertion
• Peripherally Inserter central Catheters (PICCs)

Question 8

State General theatre cases

Answer 8

• Hickman line insertion

Question 9

What are the 3 elements of dose reduction

Answer 9

Time - Minimise the time exposure is going and be aware of this throughout the operation
Distance - Remember the inverse square law in General x-ray, the further you are from the source of the primary beam the less intense the radiation you are exposed to
Shielding - Lead PPE and physical rolling lead walls if available are there to protect you and staff in the operating theatre

Question 10

State the radiation protection for the radiographer

Answer 10

• Must have a minimum of a lead apron and thyroid shield
• Must where your dosimeter badge underneath your lead against your body for accurate measurement

Question 11

How do you help ensure theatre staff are protected from radiation

Answer 11

• Must remember that you are in control of the operating theatre in terms of radiation
• Check if they are authorised to be in the room
• Check they are wearing lead and if its appropriate