Introduction
Interventional radiology (IR) is a medical field that involves a complex of methodically performed studies and therapeutic manipulations carried out under the control of ultrasound, radiography, computer, and magnetic resonance imaging. Even though the activity brings positive outcomes within the medical sphere, especially in treating cancer, potential health hazards occur in the workplace (Shaw et al., 2010). Hence, interventional radiology is a poorly recognized and established field with many unexplored uses as well as possible occupational risks.
Historical Perspective Questions
For the first time, the term “interventional radiology” was introduced by Alexander Margulis in 1967, when he performed the removal of stones from the T-shaped bile drainage, using X-ray as a control. However, the pioneers of interventional radiology should be considered Charles Potter and Melvin Judkins, who in 1964 described an actual interventional procedure – the catheter dilation of an artery with an atherosclerotic stenosis plaque. Considering that the field has developed in the previous century, it would be vital to view it in terms of its effect on specialists in the course of time. Therefore, the first research question is the following:
How has the exposure to radiation on interventional radiologists (IRs) changed over more than fifty years of the technology implementation?
Considering the evolving nature of the field, it is probable that the procedures involving the use of radiation will be on-demand due to the ongoing emergence of cancer-like diseases. It is likely that new advances will be implemented within further decades. For instance, Brady et al. (2022) claim that robotic technologies are the future of IR because they are supposed to alleviate occupation-related hazards and reduce exposure to high doses of radiation. Hence, the second research question that will be posted within the framework of this study is:
Compared to the previous decades, what new technologies can facilitate the working process of IRs and decrease the likelihood of radiation-related occupational risks?
Mathematical Perspective Questions
Radiology directly deals with math in terms of conducting algebraic and geometric calculations for measuring radiation doses, safety indicators, and other features. Several studies illustrate that an obscene amount of radiation causes severe health issues for interventional radiologists (Miller et al., 2010; Shaw et al., 2010). When allocating radiation dosages, one must carefully assess the potential hazards. Thus, from a mathematical perspective, the research question would be the following:
With respect to math, what are the major tools and methods for calculating the amount of time possible for providing an interventional radiologist with permissible radiation doses at the workplace?
The other mathematical perspective can be viewed in terms of online resource utilization. It presumes that patients can view their physicians on websites and choose a professional. Due to the increase in demand for non-invasive procedures, the need for IRs is expected to grow rapidly (Bilello et al., 2020). The second research question refers to the possibility of expanding medical staff dealing with interventional radiology in United States hospitals:
What would be the probable patient per interventional specialist ratio considering the growing demand for specialists in the field?
Conclusion
In summation, interventional radiology is at the junction of radiation diagnostics and surgery. It includes a complex of therapeutic and diagnostic manipulations and surgical interventions carried out under the control of radiation methods: ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and X-ray. Despite the growing popularity of the field, there are still occupational hazards for interventional radiologists. Even though they are underestimated, they expose specialists to radiation, causing severe health disorders.
References
Bilello, J., Patel, S., Potluri, V., Gill, G. S., & Bagherpour, A. N. (2020). Characterizing the online presence of interventional radiologists: A potential marketing opportunity.Cureus, 12(7), 1-7. Web.
Brady, Z., Smith, I., & Brown, N. (2022). Scoping the future for interventional radiology and interventional neuroradiology: a clinical physics perspective.Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine, 1-4. Web.
Miller, D. L., Vano, E., Bartal, G., Balter, S., Dixon, R., Padovani, R., Schueler, B., Cardella, J. F., & Baere, T. (2010). Occupational radiation protection in interventional radiology: A joint guideline of the cardiovascular and interventional radiology society of Europe and the society of interventional radiology.Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, 33, 230-239. Web.
Shaw, A., Speirs, A. J. D., & Howlett, D. (2010). Current applications of interventional radiology. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 71(11), 619-625. Web.