Introduction
Interventional fluoroscopy uses ionizing radiation to guide small
instruments such as catheters through blood vessels or other
pathways in the body. Interventional fluoroscopy represents a
tremendous advantage over invasive surgical procedures, because
it requires only a very small incision, substantially reduces the
risk of infection and allows for shorter recovery time compared
to surgical procedures. These interventions are used by a rapidly
expanding number of health care providers in a wide range of
medical specialties. However, many of these specialists have little
training in radiation science or protection measures.
The growing use and increasing complexity of these procedures
have been accompanied by public health concerns resulting from
the increasing radiation exposure to both patients and health care
personnel. The rise in reported serious skin injuries and the
expected increase in late effects such as lens injuries and
cataracts, and possibly cancer, make clear the need for information
on radiation risks and on strategies to control radiation
exposures to patients and health care providers. This guide
discusses the value of these interventions, the associated radiation
risk and the importance of optimizing radiation dose.
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