Everything You Need To Know About Mobile C-Arms

 

What Is A C-arm X-Ray Machine And How Does It Work?

A C-arm X-ray machine is a medical imaging machine based on X-ray tech and can be used flexibly in different ORs within any medical clinic or hospital. The device adopted the name because of its general appearance of a C-shaped arm that connects the X-ray detector and the x-ray source.

The typical composition of a mobile C-arm is a generator and an image intensifier or flat panel detector. The C-connection enables movement at all directions, thus producing an image of the patient from nearly every angle.

The generator emits X-rays that pass through the patient’s body, and an image intensifier or detector captures the X-rays and turns them into a visible image for display on a C-arm monitor. Doctors can recognize and examine details on the images, such as bone structure, blood flow and various other images often taken with X-rays.

What Are The Components Of A C-arm System?

A mobile C-arm machine usually consists of three parts. x-ray generator, image system and workstation unit.

X-ray Generator

It is placed in a frame where the C-arm is installed. It is controlled directly by the workstation unit and the operator gets to modify the operation of the system even in real-time. There is complete flexibility in terms of imaging even with increased X-ray power and the risk associated here is almost zero due to the short exposure time.

Imaging Systems

The C-arm’s robust imaging system is capable of performing several manoeuvres in a single surgery. This urgently needed advantage comes in handy in various surgical procedures (i.e. orthopaedics, urology and cardiology). The entire system is extremely compact and lightweight, so it can perform multiple positioning and have a large range of motion. Yet, they remain solid in their mounting position and have minimal chance of misalignment during surgery.

Workstation Unit

The whole operation of the C-arm is managed with the assistance of this workstation unit. It includes several handles for movement and positioning, switches for controlling power and light, a cable hanger, controls for radiation and fluoride settings, and several connections.

It includes multiple handles for movement and positioning, switches to control power and light, a cable hanger, controls for radiation and fluoride settings, several connection cables, hard drives and writers, advanced image enhancement software for noise reduction, contrast/brightness controls, monitors, zoom controls and a brake pedal.

What Are Mobile C-arm Machines Used for?

Mobile C-arm machines are commonly used in the operating room for surgery, giving surgeons the ability to see real-time imaging of the subject area. C-arms can also be used for angiography and fluoroscopy.

C-arm systems provide flexibility in operation and are often found in clinics that handle many imaging procedures.

Other Uses

• Urgent care procedures
• Imaging procedures in pain management, urology, neurology
• Common radiology
• Cardiac care and orthopaedics