Anode Heel Flashcards
What is the heel of the anode?
The lower back corner of the anode disk
What must photons do before they are considered part of the primary beam?
Must first escape the anode
How is photon intensity affected by the anode angle?
Photons that move closer to the anode have a lower intensity and ones that move closer to the cathode have higer intensity
When is the anode heel effect increased?
When the bevel of the target is reduced, like the ones used for special procedures
What focal spot size produces a increase heel effect?
Large focal spot, because of the anode increased material thickness
How should the patient be positioned when taking heel effect into account?
Thicker portions of the patient should be placed towards the cathode since the intensity is higher there
Which body parts would benefit from anode heel positioning?
Thorax, femur, humerus and foot
What is the effect of mis-positioning in regards to the anode heel effect?
An underexposure will show at one end and overexposure at the other
What SIDs produce an increased heel effect?
Shorter SIDs
