Angiography machines, also known as angiographic or fluoro systems, are medical imaging devices used to visualize blood vessels and organs in the body. They are typically used to diagnose and treat conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other diseases that affect the blood vessels.
Angiography machines use a combination of X-ray technology and a contrast agent, such as iodine, to produce detailed images of the blood vessels. The contrast agent is injected into the patient’s bloodstream, and as it circulates through the body, it highlights the blood vessels on the X-ray images.
Angiography machines typically consist of several main components: the X-ray source, the image intensifier, the C-arm, and the image acquisition system.
The X-ray source is the component of the machine that produces the X-rays. It is typically located at the base of the machine and consists of an X-ray tube and a high-voltage generator. The X-ray tube produces the X-rays, and the high-voltage generator controls the intensity of the X-rays.
The image intensifier is the component of the machine that converts the X-rays into visible light. It is typically located at the top of the machine and consists of a phosphor screen and a lens system. The phosphor screen converts the X-rays into visible light, and the lens system focuses the light onto the image acquisition system.
The C-arm is the component of the machine that holds the X-ray source and the image intensifier in place. It is shaped like the letter “C” and is mounted on a mobile stand. The C-arm can be moved around the patient to obtain images from different angles.
The image acquisition system is the component of the machine that captures the images produced by the image intensifier. It typically consists of a digital detector and a computer system. The digital detector captures the images and sends them to the computer system for processing and display.
Angiography machines also include several safety features to protect the patient and the operator from the potential harmful effects of X-rays. These include automatic exposure control, radiation-shielding materials, and dose tracking systems. Additionally, many modern angiography machines are equipped with advanced imaging capabilities, such as 3D reconstruction, which can create detailed images of the blood vessels from multiple angles.
In summary, Angiography machines are medical imaging devices used to visualize blood vessels and organs in the body. They use a combination of X-ray technology and a contrast agent, such as iodine, to produce detailed images of the blood vessels. Angiography machines typically consist of several main components: the X-ray source, the image intensifier, the C-arm, and the image acquisition system. The X-ray source produces the X-rays, the image intensifier converts the X-rays into visible light, the C-arm holds the X-ray source and the image intensifier in place and the image acquisition system captures the images produced by the image intensifier. Angiography machines also include several safety features to protect the patient and the operator from the potential harmful effects of X-rays such as automatic exposure control, radiation-shielding materials, and dose tracking systems.