C-Arms provide real-time X-ray images to help surgeons during their procedures. These machines are typically used in orthopedic surgeries. Interventional procedures require certain X-ray views to verify tool placement. Achieving these views can be difficult, requiring repeated trial and error by the X-ray technician. These trials can increase surgical time and radiation exposure.
Reduced Radiation Exposure
Surgeons who work with a GE C-arm or other high end c-arm do not have to worry about unnecessary radiation exposure. It makes the procedure more efficient as patients do not have to be woken up and wheeled into radiology for a post-op scan. It means the patient has less risk of radiation exposure, which can result in better outcomes. Additionally, it reduces the time spent in the operating room, which can benefit many patients. While it is impossible to make the exposure nil, doctors can minimize the amount of radiation by using proper safety precautions during the procedures. They can also use image-assisted surgical navigation systems that help them achieve desired views without repeated trials and error. The scatter radiation at a distance of 2 m from the generator and intensifier is only about 0.1% of the exposure received directly over the femoral head.
Improved Patient Care
C-Arms enable safe, precise imaging for various surgical, orthopedic, critical care and emergency procedures. For optimal guidance and quality control, surgeons require standardized, anatomy-specific views acquired quickly. Obtaining these desired projections in the past involved iterative manual acquisition and repeated X-ray exposure to patients and staff.
Mobile C-arm (often called mini C-arms) systems are easy to maneuver around a patient, providing physicians with real-time imaging that improves patient outcomes and reduces procedure time. They consist of an X-Ray generator, an image intensifier or flat-panel detector and a workstation. The c-shaped arm that connects the X-ray generator and detector allows movement in horizontal, vertical and swivel axes, allowing physicians to position the system in various ways. This flexibility also enables the physician to check the positioning of implants and instruments in real time, leading to more effective and efficient procedures. Portable C-arms are affordable, which helps medical institutions increase revenue and save costs. They are especially useful for interventional radiology and endovascular therapies.
Minimal Invasive Procedures
C-arms enable minimally invasive procedures and better outcomes for patients. For example, using a C-arm in spinal surgeries eliminates the need for large incisions to access the spine. That means less pain and trauma to the patient and lower costs for hospitals and surgical centers. A C-arm consists of an X-Ray generator and flat-panel detector that work together to produce images in real-time. These X-rays can be projected in any direction and rotated around the patient, allowing surgeons to see more of the anatomy.
Some newer C-arms offer larger fields of view, enhanced image quality and reduced radiation exposure. This technology can be especially helpful in orthopedic, urological and cardiovascular surgery. According to a survey, 89% of surgeons and 93% of technologists would be willing to adopt a standard universal C-arm language to decrease intraoperative confusion. A standardized language could also reduce unnecessary radiation exposure for surgeons and technologists.
Enhanced Image Quality
C-arms are mobile medical imaging systems comprised of an X-ray generator, an image intensifier or flat-panel detector and a workstation. Their flexible arm swivels around the patient to capture images from different angles without moving the patient, increasing procedure efficiency and accuracy. Some models feature color-coded axes to help surgeons quickly identify the positioning of a tool or anatomical landmark, as well as an intuitive touch-screen interface. These advanced features increase efficiency and improve outcomes, such as reducing the need for post-op scans and creating a more cost-effective surgical environment. And… these imaging capabilities are only growing with time. Better software and equipment modifications will continue to push fluoroscopy to new heights.
