CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What technique is used for catheter navigation during fluoroscopy?

1. Contrast study

2. Road mapping

3. Digital subtraction angiography

4. Image masking

The correct answer is: Road mapping

Road mapping is a technique used during fluoroscopy that enhances catheter navigation. This method allows radiologists or interventionalists to visualize the path of a catheter in real-time on top of a previously acquired image, making it easier to navigate complex vascular structures or anatomy. The technique works by capturing an initial fluoroscopic image, which is then overlaid with the current fluoroscopic images as the catheter is maneuvered. This provides a clear and continuous view of both the catheter’s position and the anatomy, allowing for precise and safe catheter placement, especially in challenging cases. The ability to use this overlay eliminates or reduces the possibility of misalignment or disorientation during the procedure, thus enhancing procedure efficiency and patient safety. Road mapping is particularly beneficial in scenarios such as vascular interventions, where understanding the relationship between the catheter and surrounding structures is crucial. Other methods like contrast studies, digital subtraction angiography, or image masking have different primary purposes: contrast studies involve the use of contrast materials to highlight structures; digital subtraction angiography focuses on enhancing vascular imaging by eliminating background structures; and image masking refers to obscuring parts of the image to emphasize certain features but does not specifically aid in navigation like road mapping does.