Our Fluoroscopy area uses real-time digital imaging to evaluate body areas and organs. Contrast agents such as barium and non-ionic contrast are used to assist in visualizing anatomy. Fluoroscopy is used to study the upper gastrointestinal tract, lower gastrointestinal tract and esophagus. Fluoroscopy is also used to assist in catheter placements, and needle guided injections for spinal and joint procedures. Some of the invasive procedures we do are described below.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial Implant
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used to relieve chronic low back and sciatic pain. It uses electrical impulses to prevent pain signals from being perceived by the brain. Under local anesthetic, one or more insulated wire leads are inserted near the spinal cord by a needle or through a small incision. This is connected to a temporary stimulator. It will be used for several days or weeks to determine if SCS will help the patient. If pain decreases by 50 percent during the trial period, the system may be permanently implanted.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection (LESI)
This injection procedure is performed to relieve low back and radiating leg pain. The steroid-anesthetics medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, sciatica and herniated discs. It may be necessary to repeat the injection procedure two or three times to get significant relief and the full benefit of the medication.
Discography is a diagnostic procedure used to determine if back pain is caused by one or more discs and to help the surgeon plan the correct back surgery. The procedure involves pressurizing discs with an injection of sterile liquid to induce pain in the affected discs. If pain is felt it may indicate this is a diseased disc. A CT scan may be done after the discogram to obtain additional images of the inside of the discs.
A hysterosalpingogram procedure visualizes the uterus and fallopian tubes with the injection of contrast media. This procedure is done to check for causes of infertility, and any abnormalities or blockage of the fallopian tubes. Women often have this procedure if they are having a difficult time becoming pregnant.
A myelogram is utilized to diagnose disc disease, stenosis, tumors, herniated disc, and other disorders of the spinal canal and cord, such as nerve compression causing pain and weakness. During a myelogram procedure non-ionic contrast media is injected into the subarachnoid space (sac) surrounding the spinal cord and nerves. After fluoroscopy images are taken by the Radiologist a CT scan is performed to obtain more information.
An arthrogram procedure is done to find the cause of joint pain, by visualizing one of your joints (knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, ankle and wrist) with the injection of non-ionic contrast media. This procedure may diagnose a rotator cuff tear, ligament tear, meniscus tear or hip prosthesis instability. This procedure can also be done for the injection of contrast prior to an MRI scan of a joint.
Speech Swallow Video Study
A video fluoroscopic swallow study is ordered by your physicians to look at the mechanics of your swallowing ability. The Speech Pathologist provides you with different liquids and food textures containing barium to assess your safety with swallowing. If you have symptoms of difficulty swallowing they will be able to determine strategies to help you manage your symptoms.