Management of the pediatric patient for interventional radiologic procedures

The purpose of this article is to aid the interventional radiologist who is asked to perform an interventional radiologic procedure on a pediatric patient. The pediatric patient poses a different set of problems when compared with his or her adult counterpart. The obvious differences in size can make even the simplest of adult procedures technically difficult in a small child or infant. In addition, one must be aware of the differences in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and psychology that correspond to normal growth and development in children. Finally, the patient's cooperation, or lack thereof, necessitates the use of sedation, placing a further burden on the interventional radiologist. This chapter should aid the interventional radiologist in the care of children. With some forethought and advanced preparations, the interventional radiologist should be able to care for pediatric patients safely and effectively.