Videofluoroscopy Part 4: Equipment and Pulse Rate

Presented by Catriona Steele

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Video Runtime: 34 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 34 Minutes

This course explores the technical aspects of videofluoroscopy, including continuous versus pulsed fluoroscopy, frame rate, and loops. In particular, we will discuss how reductions in frame rate impact the information that is obtained and the relationship between frame rate, radiation exposure, exam length, and diagnostic accuracy.

Meet your instructor

Catriona Steele

Dr. Catriona M. Steele is the director of the Swallowing Rehabilitation Research Laboratory at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. She also teaches in the graduate department of speech-language pathology at the University of Toronto. Prior to completing her PhD, Dr. Steele worked as a medical speech-language pathologist for…

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Chapters & learning objectives

How Does Fluoroscopy Work?

1. How Does Fluoroscopy Work?

We will review how fluoroscopic images are generated and explain the difference between continuous fluoroscopy and pulsed fluoroscopy.

What Is the Impact of Lower Pulse Rates on Diagnostic Information?

2. What Is the Impact of Lower Pulse Rates on Diagnostic Information?

In this chapter, we will explore the trade-off between fluoroscopy pulse rate and diagnostic information. We will illustrate how reducing pulse rate impacts the information that is available to the clinician.

The Relationship Between Pulse Rate and Radiation Dose

3. The Relationship Between Pulse Rate and Radiation Dose

In this chapter, we will explore the trade-off between pulse rate and radiation dose. We will discuss the ALARA principle and explore issues of examination length (and associated radiation dose) related to pulse rate. We will provide a list of points that clinicians can present to colleagues in radiology when determining optimal settings and protocols for VFSS in their facilities.