[Principles in the assessment of radiation exposure in interventional measures]

Interventional procedures undoubtedly involve a high radiation exposure, for the patient. For some interventional procedures the frequencies of procedures, radiation exposures and considerations to the radiation risk are shown and discussed. Radiation risk is calculated with the currently common assumptions but always in consideration of the age and expectation of life of the patient. The risk coefficient used for the age-distribution of the common population is 5% per Sv, but for the risk coefficient for, e.g., the group of PTA patients 1.0% per Sv can be derived. That's why the risk of cancer increases in this patient group by 5/100,000. This risk must be balanced with the immediate benefit and the risk of alternative procedures.