Veterinary Care Specialists

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a non-invasive imaging modality that uses x-rays to produce a real time moving image. Fluoroscopy allows VSC specialists to capture, monitor, replay, and manipulate video of a specific part of the body while it is in motion. Our fluoroscopy unit is a C-arm (mobile unit) which allows our board certified specialists to utilize the machine while in the surgical suite. Traditionally more invasive surgical options may have been required without the assistance of fluoroscopy. This technology gives VSC the capability to provide your pet with the most current advancements in veterinary medicine in addition to the development of new and less invasive treatments for current diseases processes.

Examples of the use of fluoroscopy would include:

1)Urethral and urethral stent placements 

2) Dynamic airway examinations looking for collapsing airway disease (ie collapsing trachea)





3) Intrapulmonary stenting procedures for treating tracheal collapse

  

4) Minimally invasive fracture repair.









5) Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) closure with intravascular occlusion devices (ACDO)



6) Pulmonic stenosis (PS) balloon valvuloplasty



7) Pacemaker implantation



8) Hepatic shunt portograms

9) Intrahepatic shunt attenuation with stents and coil placements

10) Lymphangiograms



Because these procedures are minimally invasive, they lead to reduced peri-operative morbidity and mortality. Since disruption of soft tissue is decreased, this allows reduced blood loss, decreased pain and less chance for infection. Fluoroscopic technology also reduces the length of hospitalization and often the length of time the patient is under anesthesia which in return shortens recovery time.