Interventional procedures - what patients need to know

Frequently asked questions by the health professionals

??Which procedures are associated with higher radiations doses?
??What are the possible effects of radiation exposure from interventional procedures?
? Should I be concerned about radiation if my child has been prescribed an interventional procedure?
? Previously I was given a protective apron or other shielding to protect me from radiation, but not this time. Why??
? Why do X?ray staff still wear shielding (aprons, collars)?

??Which procedures are associated with higher radiations doses?

Interventional procedures - angiography, cardiac catheterisation and Computed tomography (CT) -can be associated with higher doses of radiation with doses that are about 100 to 1000 times higher than that delivered during a chest X ray.

??What are the possible effects of radiation exposure from interventional procedures?

The typical dose of an interventional procedure brings a one in 10 000 risk of skin injury and a small increased probability of cancer in future years. In most situations, skin injuries can be prevented by using the proper technique. An interventional procedure performed under X ray fluoroscopy guidance often replaces a more invasive surgical procedure.?

??Should I be concerned about radiation if my child has been prescribed an interventional procedure?

As part of the justification process, doctors determine whether the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks. The doctor should be able to explain why your child needs the procedure and why other procedures are not suitable.?

??Previously I was given a protective apron or other shielding to protect me from radiation, but not this time. Why??

Patient shielding was previously used to minimize the potential risks from radiation.? However, the equipment and our understanding of radiation effects have improved (or advanced). This dramatically reduces the radiation dose you receive, making the benefits of using shields negligible. Also, shielding may interfere with the anatomy being viewed or the automatic dose control equipment, which could lead to repeat examination. Staff take many other measures to limit your radiation dose according to your size and specific examination.?

??Why do X?ray staff still wear shielding (aprons, collars)?

As staff are regularly exposed to radiation as part of their job and not for their own medical benefit, it is important that they minimize their X?ray dose accumulated over time. Therefore, you will see them wearing shielding, both aprons and collars.