On-demand multiple step fluoroscope control assembly

An on-demand multiple step fluoroscope control assembly adapted for use in a fluoroscope comprising means for generating x-rays, an x-ray tube for focusing the x-rays onto an area of a patient being imaged, and a fluoroscope monitor with a display screen for viewing the image captured by the fluoroscope, said control assembly comprising:

• a foot control adapted for being operatively connected to the fluoroscope and manually actuated by a foot of an operator, said foot control comprising a first step activation means for controlling activation of the x-ray generation means;
• a head control adapted for being operatively connected to the fluoroscope and automatically actuated when the operator views the display screen, said head control comprising a second step activation means for controlling activation of the x-ray generation means;
• whereby upon simultaneous employment of the first and second step activation means, said foot control and said head control cooperate to activate the x-ray generation means and output radiation to the patient;
• and in the absence of simultaneous employment of said first and second step activation means, no radiation is output to the patient.

A method for imaging a patient using a fluoroscope comprising means for generating x-rays, said method comprising the steps of:

• actuating a foot control operatively connected to the fluoroscope;
• upon actuation of the foot control, simultaneously actuating a head control operatively connected to the fluoroscope;
• and
• whereby the foot control and head control cooperate to activate the x-ray generation means and output radiation to the patient, and in the absence of simultaneous actuation of the foot control and head control, no radiation is output to the patient.