Instructor: Kay Hizzett
Understand essential equipment and instruments in Interventional Radiography (IR).
Gain comprehension of equipment application and safety.
Understand the importance of sterilisation and aseptic techniques.
Describe the Seldinger technique.
Link to module learning outcome: Understand and employ sterile techniques during fluoroscopic procedures to reduce hazard and address contamination, including waste management and spillage.
Fluoroscopy Unit: Central to imaging dynamic processes in real-time.
Ultrasound Machine: Utilises sound waves for imaging
CT (Computed Tomography): Provides cross-sectional imaging for diagnostic purposes.
Contrast Agents: Enhance visibility of vessels and tissues in imaging.
Various types, features, and uses.
Floor/Ceiling Mounted II: Different tasks use specific mounts (e.g. cardiac tasks).
C-arms: Versatile for different positions and tasks.
Key components in fluoroscopic imaging that enhance image quality and accessibility.
C-arm Rotation: Allows for various angles and views during procedures.
Swiveling: Facilitates easy positioning around patients.
Up/Down Travel: Adjusts to different heights for better access.
Involves real-time imaging of moving structures (e.g. GI tract).
Utilises contrast media like Barium for enhanced visibility.
Applications include imaging for cardiac and vascular assessments.
Real-time Imaging: Vital for guiding minimally invasive procedures.
Enhanced Visualization: Improved imaging for various bodily structures.
Uses: In orthopaedics, vascular, cardiac procedures, and functional studies.
Fluoroscopy: Visual examination for moving objects.
Fluorography: Pulsed digital imaging to acquire and document diagnostic quality images.
Used to enhance imaging by highlighting blood vessels and distinction between normal/abnormal tissues.
3D Imaging and Cone Beam CT: Offers detailed views.
AI Tools: Enhances imaging efficiency and accuracy.
Image Fusion: Combines images from multiple sources for better analysis.
Robotics Integration: Improves precision and reduces manual workload.
Strategies include:
Use of lead coats, dosimeters, lead glasses, and caps.
Incorporating lead screens and skirts to reduce scatter.
Understanding skin dose risk for patients in certain procedures.
Follow the principles: time, distance, shielding, and PPE.
Lower Body Shields: For mobile and table-mounted setups.
Upper Body Shield: Specific to cardiac labs.
Radioprotective Drapes: Additional protection measures.
Includes pre-procedural setup, intra-procedure operation, post-procedure tasks, and being advocates for radiation safety.
A methodology for vessel access through:
Sterile needle puncture (e.g., femoral, brachial, radial).
Involves passing a guidewire, needle removal, vascular sheath insertion, and catheter navigation.
The choice is driven by the planned procedure with arterial and venous options outlined.
Basic micropuncture sets typically include:
21-gauge needle, 5-F sheath, and Cope wire.
As a guide for catheter insertion; important to flush the sheath before use and select size according to procedure needs.
Catheter types vary by: end hole, side hole, selective/nonselective, glide/nonglide,
Wires used for navigating through vessels vary by material, diameter, and coating.
Alternatives to manual compression for patient mobility post-procedure (e.g. Angioseal, Perclose).
Importance in IR, addressing:
Complete elimination of microorganisms (Sterilisation).
Practices to prevent contamination during procedures (Aseptic techniques).
Locations with increased risk of contamination include:
Catheter insertion points.
Guidewire manipulation.
Contrast media administration.
Various techniques including:
ETO sterilization.
Chemical sterilization.
Single-use items for best practice.
Best practices to maintain sterility include observing the sterile field, hand hygiene, and proper personnel alerts.
Importance of proper waste disposal methods: color-coded bags for different types of waste (e.g. clinical, domestic, infectious).
Reinforce the necessity of understanding equipment handling, sterilisation, radiation safety, and effective waste management in interventional procedures.