Cinefluorography' is a term used to describe the process of taking motion pictures of the fluoroscopic screen of the image amplifier. During the last 2 years we have examined more than 2000 patients with the image amplifier and have taken film strips of more than 1000. All parts of the body usually fluoroscoped have been cinefluorographed. Our experience with the cinefluorographic method should be of interest to those contemplating its use.
Equipment and ProcedureOur cinefluorograph consists of a standard Westinghouse fluoroscope equipped with a Westinghouse image amplifier and a 16-mm. motion picture camera? The image amplifier added to the standard fluoroscope produces a fluoroscopic image so extremely bright that it can be photographed with a conventional motion picture camera.Cinefluorography is carried out in the same way as conventional fluoroscopy, except that: first, it is not necessary for the eyes of the fluoroscopist to become dark-adapted, saving 15 min. of his time; second, the cone of the fluoroscopic screen is used for palpation, as it is not possible to palpate the patient easily with the right hand.With this instrument taking motion pictures is easy; the fluoroscopist can do so simply by pushing one lever, since the intensity of the X-ray beam is automatically controlled by a photomultiplier feedback system, and the focal distance of the lens is preset by the serviceman.
Advantages and DisadvudagesAs a result of our experience we believe that the image amplifier will replace the standard fluoroscope in the next few years. The real advantages are the production of a bright fluoroscopic image (which allows the fluoroscopist to perceive a more detailed image than that with the conventional fluoroscopic screen) and a smaller radiation dose for the patient. The greater price of the amplifier is the single real disadvantage for the office radiologist. Other disadvantages, such as the weight of the equipment and the small field size, are technical deficiencies that will be soon eliminated.Just as the image amplifier will replace the standard fluoroscope, the motion picture camera will replace the spot film device. Motion pictures are superior to spot films sincc both the movement of the organs as well as the static anatomy can be recorded. This superiority of the motion pictures is limited in two respects: the field size is small, and the detail is not as sharp on the projected 16-mm. film as on standard X-ray film. Because of these limitations our attempts a t using rinefluorography for angiographic studies on adults have been unsatisfactory.
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