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MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: X-ray images are like photos of the inside of your body. But X-ray videos can be made as well. They're made during a procedure called fluoroscopy. One reason your doctor may give you a fluoroscopy exam is to find out if you have certain diseases, such as problems in your digestive tract. A second reason your doctor may use fluoroscopy is to perform a procedure such as a spinal tap. A third reason is to find, locate, and identify a foreign object in your body. There are several types of fluoroscopy machines. A fluoroscope may be fixed in place in a special shielded room. Or it may be a portable machine that can be moved to you if needed. A computed tomography, or CT scan machine can also be used as a fluoroscope to see slices through the body as the images are taken. Before a fluoroscopy procedure, you may be given a contrast substance. It may be in a drink, a paste, a pill, or an injection. During the procedure, you will lie or stand on an X-ray table. An X-ray tube will be aimed at the body part to be examined. Then an X-ray beam will pass through a part of the fluoroscope that shapes the beam to just the area of your body being studied. This helps reduce your exposure to X-rays. After the beam passes through your body, it will be converted into a video seen on a monitor screen. If you receive a contrast substance, it will make the structure stand out better on the screen. If you have any questions about fluoroscopy, talk to your doctor.
"Thanks, and your illustrations were effective in a $3
million dollar verdict last Friday."
Joseph M. Prodor Trial Lawyer White Rock, British Columbia
"Medical illustrations are essential during trial for any medical malpractice case. The people at MLA have the uncanny ability of creating medical illustrations that simplify the most complex of medical concepts and human anatomy to a lay audience. The exhibits of MLA allow experts to easily describe complex concepts and human anatomy in a manner that could
not be done otherwise.
In addition, their custom illustrations show in great detail the extent of
injuries suffered and the devastating effects they have had on the client's
anatomy. These custom illustration can show, side by side, the body before
and after a catastrophic injury. The effect of this juxtaposition is
unmatched by any testimony that can be adduced at the time of trial.
Even jurors after trial have commented on the ease with which they grasp
medical concepts and anatomy once the MLA exhibits were introduced and
used by my experts. Even judges who have "seen it all" are thoroughly
impressed by the detail and sophistication of the illustrations.
"I wanted to take some time out to let you know what a wonderful job you did
with the 'collapsed lung/fractured rib' illustrations. They were both
detailed and accurate. My medical expert was comfortable working with them
and he spent at least an hour explaining to the jury the anatomy of the
lungs, the ribs and the injuries depicted in the illustrations. Needless to
say, the jury was riveted to the doctor during his testimony.
The jury returned a verdict for $800,000.00 and I'm sure we would not have
done so well if not for the visualizations we were able to put forth with
your assistance. Lastly, my special thanks to Alice [Senior Medical
Illustrator] who stayed late on Friday night and patiently dealt with my
last minute revisions."
Daniel J. Costello
Proner & Proner
New York, NY
"Whether it's demonstrating a rotator cuff tear, neck movement a few
milliseconds after rear impact, or a proposed lumbar fusion, the Doe Report
represents an instant on-line database of medical illustration for
health-care and legal professionals.
Illustrations can be purchased 'as is' or modified within hours and sent
either electronically or mounted on posterboard. An illustration is worth a
thousand words, as juries perk up and look intently to capture concepts
that are otherwise too abstract. Start with good illustrations, a clear and
direct voice, a view of the jury as 12 medical students on day one of
training, and your expert testimony becomes a pleasure, even on cross
examination. An experienced trial lawyer should also emphasize these
illustrations at the end of trial, as a means of visually reinforcing key
concepts covered.
As a treating physician, I also use these accurate illustrations to educate
my own patients about their medical conditions. The Doe Report is an
invaluable resource, and its authors at MLA have always been a pleasure to
work with."
Richard E. Seroussi M.D., M.Sc.
Diplomate, American Boards of Electrodiagnostic Medicine and PM&R
Seattle Spine & Rehabilitation Medicine
www.seattlespine.info
Medical Legal Art creates medical demonstrative evidence (medical
illustrations, drawings, pictures, graphics, charts, medical animations,
anatomical models, and interactive presentations) for use during legal
proceedings, including research, demand letters, client conferences,
depositions, arbitrations, mediations, settlement conferences, mock jury
trials and for use in the courtroom. We do not provide legal or medical
advice. If you have legal questions, you should find a lawyer with whom you
can discuss your case issues. If you have medical questions, you should seek the advice of a healthcare provider.