Basic X-Ray Physics

Interventional radiology procedures allow an interventional radiologist with highly specialized training to utilize the imaging function of a fluoroscopy system to carry out diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for a wide variety of diseases and conditions. Within an X-ray tube, by colliding electrons produced at high velocity from a cathode (negatively charged metal) with the atoms of the anode (a positively charged metal such as Tungsten-Rhenium alloy and Molybdenum), energy is released in the form of X-ray photons. Ionizing radiation of any type has the ability to create ions in matter. Biological effects can be classified as either somatic or genetic.