CATH Lab Machine

Interventional radiology is a medical sub-specialty of radiology which utilizes minimally-invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. Using X-rays, CT, ultrasound, MRI, and other imaging modalities, interventional radiologists obtain images which are then used to direct interventional instruments throughout the body.

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope. The most commonly used procedure is the gastrointestinal fluoroscopy (barium meal test).

The radiation during the long lasting procedures can constitute an occupational hazard for the physicians, allied medical professionals if proper care is not taken.

1. Get IR/ Fluoroscopy procedures done in hospitals/facilties having licence from AERB.
2. Keep a record of the exposures you have received, for future reference.
   Inform the Technologist if you are pregnant.
3. Carry your old CT/X-ray records

1. Use ceiling suspended screens, lateral shields and table curtains. They provide more than 90% protection from scattered radiation in fluoroscopy / IR procedures.
2. The positioning of the IITV and the tube, affect the radiation dose to patient and the doctor/ associated personnel. The IITV shall be positioned as close to the patient surface, as possible.
3. For fluoroscopic procedures under-couch x-ray tube and over couch IITV system should be used.
4. Always wear the TLD badges on the chest, over which the lead (or equivalent) apron to be worn.
5. Aperture opening should be adjusted as per the procedural requirement so as to optimize the exposures to the patient.
6. Patient dose records to be maintained and should be incorporated in the medical report.
7. Selection of magnification mode to be appropriate to the procedural requirement.
8. In a lateral or oblique orientation, the x-ray tube should be positioned opposite the area where the operator and other personnel are working.
9. Keep hands out of and away from the x-ray field when the beam is on unless physician control of invasive devices is required for patient care during fluoroscopy
10. If image quality is not compromised, remove the grid during procedures on small patients or when the image receptor cannot be placed close to the patient.
11. Remember that high kV and low mAs techniques and choice of additional filters reduced patient doses, without compromising on diagnostic information.

1. Only AERB Type approved X-ray equipment shall be installed /used
2. AERB Licence certificate shall be displayed noticeably at the reception counter.
3. Quality Assurance tests of the IR equipment is carried out periodically and after any maintenance and the records are maintained
4. Sufficient number of lead (or equivalent) aprons of 0.25mm lead equivalent shall be available.
5. Lead aprons shall be stored either on a hanger or on a flat surface without crumpling.
6. Consistency of lead aprons shall be checked once in two years.
7. Shall ensure that the application specialists demonstrate all radiation safety features provided by design, in the equipment.
8. The RSO should inform all doctors and associated personnel about the design features incorporated for dose reduction.