An x-ray catheter has an x-ray tube having an x-ray source therein and an x-ray transparent window through which x-rays may pass is positioned with retractable needles or suction. The needles, if present, are retractably attached to a hinge which is operatively connected to a control that extends or retracts the needles from the device, the needles positioned adjacent the x-ray transparent window so as not to impede the flow of x-rays. Alternatively, suction opening operatively connected to a vacuum source positions the x-ray source at the desired site.