The radiation exposure allows the cardiologist to "treat" non-operatively specific congenital heart abnormalities. In addition, interventional cardiology procedures use radiation to aid placement of catheters, coils, or other devices. X-rays are also used during cardiac catheterizations, which allows the cardiologist to better understand the physiology of the heart, assess pressure measurements, identify sites of obstruction, and determine function. The most frequently ordered X-ray is the chest X-ray, which helps the doctor decide if the heart is big, if there is pneumonia, or if there is fluid in the lungs. Use of X-Rays in Managing Cardiac Problems The technologist will work with parents to find the best way to work with their child. Occasionally, restraining the child is necessary to have an adequate film and reduce radiation exposure (by not repeating the study). When the image is about to be taken, parents are encouraged to remind the child to hold still so that the picture will be sharp and clear. Parents can stay with their child during the X-ray. Sometimes children are frightened by the large and unfamiliar equipment in the X-ray room however, a simple explanation is often helpful, depending on the child's level of understanding. They share the results with the cardiologist and the referring doctor.Ī chest X-ray requires little or no advance preparation. They can compare it with prior films, which is important when evaluating heart size and blood flow to the lungs. This reduces the amount of radiation to other parts of the body.Īfter taking the X-ray, the radiologist reviews the film. The technologist tries to focus the radiation beam using a light on the patient's chest.
In an older patient, the child stands upright for one image and then turns sideways for the second image. In young children, the patient lies on the table and the hands are held above the head. The initial view is from the front, and the second is a side view. The chest X-ray technique in young children involves two views. The X-ray film is also developed and viewed with transmitted light on a light box or computer screen. The film in a camera is developed and used to make a photographic print or it is used directly as a slide.
The X-ray exposes the film to form an image just as the light exposes the film inside a camera. To understand what happens when an X-ray is taken, a comparison can be made with the use of a camera in taking a photograph. Some of the radiation penetrates the part of the body being examined and thus creates the X-ray image. The actual time of the average X-ray exposure is extremely short - often less than one-half second. The X-ray is projected toward the chest to show the heart and lungs, bones and soft tissues. The chest X-ray is the most common radiologic procedure.
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