Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2025
Cone Beam Intraoperative Computed Tomography-based Image Guidance for Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Fusion
Published on: August 6, 2019
Immobilization during infant fluoroscopy: Pros and cons
Cory M Pfeifer1, Sammar Ghannam2, Brynn Weakley2
1Phoenix Children's, Department of Radiology, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, United States of America.
Insights
Immobilization during infant fluoroscopy offers benefits like improved imaging and reduced radiation but raises ethical concerns. A balanced, patient-centered approach is crucial for pediatric radiology practices.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Medical Ethics
- Radiological Imaging
Background:
- Fluoroscopy in infants often requires patient immobilization.
- Practices and opinions on immobilization vary significantly across institutions.
- Concerns exist regarding patient consent, parental distress, and ethical implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the advantages and disadvantages of infant immobilization during fluoroscopy.
- To examine contrasting institutional policies and ethical considerations.
- To advocate for a balanced, patient-centered approach in pediatric radiology.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and institutional policies.
- Discussion of ethical dilemmas related to patient autonomy and family impact.
- Analysis of benefits (image quality, radiation reduction) versus drawbacks (consent, distress).
Main Results:
- Immobilization can enhance imaging quality and reduce radiation exposure.
- Concerns about parental distress and patient consent are significant ethical considerations.
- A consensus on routine immobilization is lacking, highlighting diverse institutional approaches.
Conclusions:
- A balanced approach to infant immobilization during fluoroscopy is recommended.
- Institutional policies should prioritize patient safety, ethical principles, and patient-centered care.
- Further discussion is needed to refine best practices in pediatric radiology.
Abstract:
This article explores the practice of immobilization during fluoroscopy procedures for infants, discussing its advantages and disadvantages. The authors examine contrasting policies and thoughts on immobilization across different medical institutions. While some advocate for its routine use to minimize patient motion, enhance imaging quality, and decrease radiation exposure, others question its necessity and raise concerns about patient consent and parental distress. Ethical dilemmas are also discussed regarding patient autonomy and psychological impact on families. The authors advocate for a balanced approach, recognizing the utility of immobilization in certain clinical scenarios while still emphasizing patient-centered care. Ultimately, the article underscores the importance of institutional policies that prioritize both patient safety and ethical principles in pediatric radiology practices.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
01:11Anatomical Positions
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...