C-arms are robust intraoperative imaging systems used in various surgical procedures, including orthopedics, pain management, and interventional radiology. These devices have come a long way with advancements like digital subtraction angiography, flat panel detectors, and 3D imaging. Understanding your specific imaging needs and aligning them with the proper C-arm configuration is vital to maximizing efficiency, accuracy, and ease of use.
Flat Panel Detectors
Physicians who perform vascular procedures on the extremities want high-resolution images to differentiate between a guidewire or catheter and the vessel in question. A C-arm with a flat panel detector, such as Orthoscan FD, can achieve these images. The flat-panel detector converts X-rays into electrical signals transmitted to the monitor. The image intensifier translates these signals into a visible radiographic image. In addition to imaging resolution, flat panel technology offers several other advantages. For example, it can be used with CO2 angiography to help prevent contrast-induced nephropathy. It is also very durable and requires minimal cooling. When determining the best C-arm for your practice, consider the needs of your patients and your facility. Work with a reputable vendor or manufacturer who can assess your needs, budget constraints, and future growth plans. They can then recommend a C-arm that will provide you with the right balance of price and features. Many vendors offer flexible payment plans or equipment financing programs to help you manage upfront costs.
Digital Subtraction Angiography
During digital subtraction angiography (DSA), the physician uses an image intensifier to view the anatomy. This technique allows the doctor to check blood flow in different body parts. The doctor then adds thin tubes containing iodinated contrast material into the body. The iodinated contrast is then used to simulate the blood vessels in the patient’s body. A computer program then calculates the difference between the initial and the final images. The result is shown on the C-arm monitor. A mobile c-arm consists of an X-Ray generator, an image intensifier, and a workstation that contains the control panels. The C-shaped arm connecting the generator and the detector allows horizontal, vertical, and swivel axes movement, producing the X-ray image from many angles. The compact C-arms are portable and easy to handle. They have lower generator power and may not support the wide range of procedures and types of patients compared to their standard-sized counterparts.
Enhanced Mobility & Rotation
The portable C-arm’s flexible movement and maneuverability allow physicians to take X-ray images from many angles. This saves time and improves workflow efficiency, and helps the patient remain motionless, which is a underrated feature if they’re in pain.
It also helps reduce the amount of invasive surgery needed in hospitals and surgical centers. The C-arm is an “indispensable tool” for spine surgery, using it to check the placement of screws and plates in real-time during a procedure. When choosing a mobile C-Arm, surgeons should consider the system’s image-handling capability and storage options, as well as their need for rotational capability and mobility. A service provider can assist in evaluating these factors and selecting the best C-arm for an institution’s needs.
Enhanced Precision
With the advent of 3D imaging and AI’s ever-growing effect on the world, C-arm systems can now generate accurate images that allow surgeons to plan and navigate more precisely. This is especially beneficial for procedures such as neurosurgery, which require high precision and attention to detail to achieve optimal outcomes. The latest generation of surgical C-arms also features a wide field of view, making capturing the entire anatomy in real-time easy. This increased precision can help surgeons more easily visualize delicate structures, reduce the risk of complications during surgery, and improve patient safety. Groundbreaking innovations have driven the evolution of C-arm technology. From image intensifiers to flat panel detectors, these advancements have paved the way for improved clinical results and more precise surgery. Choosing the right C-arm system can make all the difference in your facility’s surgical capabilities.
