What is fluoroscopy?
Your upcoming cardiovascular procedure uses fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy is a special type of X-ray that captures moving pictures in real time. Your doctor uses fluoroscopy to see where the instruments used in the procedure are as they move through your blood vessels.
The X-ray beam is usually directed over a section of your skin. This is the area that gets the most radiation during the procedure.
What are the dangers of fluoroscopy?
Most patients do not have any problems related to fluoroscopy. One of the possible effects of X-ray radiation is mild-to-moderate skin irritation (“sun burn effect”) in the area that receives the most exposure. It can take up to several weeks for the reaction to develop. Hair loss and skin damage are extremely rare reactions that can happen with high doses of radiation exposure.
You may need to take special care of the exposed area of skin, depending on how much exposure you have. If so, your doctor or nurse will give you information about what to do.
Information to share with your doctor
Please tell your doctor before the procedure if you have ever had a skin reaction to fluoroscopy in the past.
Please let your doctor know about any questions or concerns you have about fluoroscopy when you have your pre-procedure appointment/evaluation.
