What is an important factor in reducing radiation dose during fluoroscopy?

Using pulsed fluoroscopy instead of continuous fluoroscopy is important for reducing radiation dose during procedures because pulsed fluoroscopy operates by emitting radiation in brief bursts rather than delivering a constant stream of radiation. This significantly lowers the overall exposure time to the patient, while still allowing the clinician to obtain the necessary images.

Continuous fluoroscopy can lead to longer exposure times with higher radiation doses, which increases the risk of radiation effects for both the patient and the medical staff. In contrast, pulsed fluoroscopy provides sufficient image quality for diagnostic purposes while minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure.

This method of fluoroscopy is particularly beneficial in procedures where repeated imaging is required, as it strikes a balance between effective imaging and safety, thus contributing to better radiation protection practices.