What is the primary purpose of collimation in fluoroscopy?

Collimation primarily serves to limit patient exposure during fluoroscopic procedures. By narrowing the X-ray beam to the specific area of interest, collimation reduces the amount of unnecessary radiation that the patient may receive. This is crucial in minimizing the risks associated with radiation exposure, ensuring that only the necessary anatomical structures are irradiated while protecting surrounding tissues. Proper use of collimation not only safeguards patient health but also enhances the quality of the images obtained by reducing scatter radiation, allowing for clearer visuals of the region being examined.