How does collimation affect radiation exposure during fluoroscopy?

Collimation plays a crucial role in managing radiation exposure during fluoroscopy by limiting the area of the patient that is irradiated. When collimation is employed, the x-ray beam is focused only on the relevant anatomical structures, which reduces the overall radiation dose the patient receives. This targeted approach not only minimizes unnecessary exposure to surrounding tissues but also enhances the quality of the images obtained. By restricting the x-ray field, collimation helps to eliminate scatter radiation, which can degrade image quality and lead to increased radiation exposure. As a result, the combination of reduced exposure and enhanced visualization makes collimation an essential practice in fluoroscopy and many other imaging modalities.