Final answer:
Decreasing the Source-to-Image Distance (SID) in fluoroscopy by moving the image intensifier closer to the patient reduces the patient dose and improves image quality due to a reduced need for x-ray exposure and a lesser beam spread.
Step-by-step explanation:
Moving the image intensifier closer to the patient during traditional fluoroscopy has several effects:
- Decreases the Source-to-Image Distance (SID), which is the distance between the x-ray source and the image intensifier.
- Decreases patient dose, as the intensifier's proximity allows for lower x-ray exposure settings while maintaining image quality.
- Improves image quality by reducing the distance that x-rays travel, which reduces the spread of the beam, and thus increases image sharpness.
It is important to balance radiation safety and image quality in medical imaging. Techniques to reduce radiation exposure include using fast films, shielding with lead aprons, and minimizing the time of exposure, as shown in Figure 32.7 and Figure 32.10. Using these methods ensures both patient and operator safety while maintaining the diagnostic efficacy of x-rays.