While using a C-arm fluoroscopy unit, what will reduce radiation exposure to the patient the most?

Placing the image intensifier as close to the patient as possible is significant in reducing radiation exposure. This positioning helps to minimize the amount of scatter radiation that the patient is subjected to. The closer the image intensifier is to the patient, the more effective it is in capturing the emitted radiation and converting it to a visible image, which can lead to lower exposure settings. This proximity helps enhance image quality while reducing the overall radiation dose received by the patient during the procedure.

This principle is rooted in the geometry of radiation physics, where the intensity of scatter radiation decreases with distance. Thus, optimizing the location of the image intensifier is crucial in managing radiation exposure effectively.