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I N T R A O P
I M A G I N G
6. Check patients' records.
entry point to spread the radiation over
Review every patient's healthcare his-
more skin area and reduce the likeli-
tory for previous radiation exposure.
hood that any one spot will be overex-
Patients with multiple exposures could
posed. Place the targeted extremity
be at increased risk because of radia-
directly over the C-arm's image intensi-
tion's cumulative effects.
fier to keep it as far as possible from
the X-ray source, says Brian D.
7. Drape where
appropriate. Place a lead apron
Giordano, MD, an assistant professor
over the pelvic area of female patients
Rochester Medical School in New
to protect the ovaries and over the
York.
of orthopedics at the University of
groin area of male patients to protect
the testes. Perineal surgical aprons
9. Position C-arms carefully.
can also be used. (Be sure these
In 2006, surgeons in California report-
aprons are disinfected according to
ed that the bottom end of a C-arm
manufacturer and regulatory stan-
wedged onto the floor control of the
dards, cautions Ms. Cappella.) Shield
OR table, causing it to tilt and almost
the patient's eyes and thyroid if radia-
dump the patient onto the floor
tion will impact the upper part of the
(tinyurl.com/q79uqwe). An unusual situ-
body during surgery. Another option is
ation, but be vigilant as the C-arm is
a new FDA-approved surgical drape
adjusted.
with special chemicals embedded in
the fabric to protect against radiation,
says Ms. Cappella.
10. Equipment considerations. New C-arm equipment has
low-dose features that ensure superb
8. Position patients
properly. Ensure non-targeted body
pictures at low radiation exposure.
parts are positioned out of the radia-
ment option may produce more
tion beam's focus. If possible, suggests
image noise, the operator is subject-
Ms. Cappella, vary the radiation's beam
ed to less radiation exposure, so use
A U G U S T 2013 | S U P P L E M E N T
TO
Although using the low-dose equip-
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E
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