C-Arm X-ray machines—also called C-shaped X-ray machines—are a type of medical imaging device widely used for fluoroscopy and radiography in various surgical procedures. The classification of C-Arm systems is mainly based on their application scope and size, which can be divided into small C, medium C, and large C. Each type differs in structure, performance, and clinical use to meet different user needs. So, what are the main types of C-Arm X-ray machines and who are the leading manufacturers?
Small C-Arm X-ray Machine
1. Small C-Arm X-ray Machine
Also known as the orthopedic C-Arm, the small C is compact, portable, and easy to operate—ideal for use in limited spaces.
Main applications include:
- Orthopedics: bone setting, repositioning, and nail insertion
- Removal of foreign bodies, cardiac catheterization, pacemaker implantation
- Certain interventional procedures and contrast imaging
- Pain management (with ozone therapy systems), minimally invasive treatments, and gynecological procedures such as fallopian tube catheterization
Small C-Arm systems are highly popular in hospitals, with most secondary-level hospitals already equipped with them.
Representative manufacturers:
- Domestic brands: Perlove Medical, Weimai Medical, Chimate, Konda Medical
- International brands: GE, Philips, Siemens
Perlove Medical Small C-Arm
Perlove Medical has been deeply involved in the medical imaging field for 22 years and is one of the standard-setting companies for mobile C-Arm X-ray systems in China.
According to data from the professional medical market research agency EBIT Insight (Yizhaocai), Perlove Medical ranked first in market share for C-Arm X-ray machines in 2020, 2022, and 2023.
Small C-Arm
2. Medium C-Arm X-ray Machine
The medium C-Arm, also known as the peripheral interventional C-Arm, bridges the gap between the small C and large C (DSA) systems. Clinically, it can perform over 80% of the procedures handled by a DSA system.
Main clinical applications include:
- Neurovascular angiography and subtraction imaging
- Gastrointestinal interventional procedures
- Peripheral vascular angiography, subtraction, and angioplasty
- Minimally invasive pain and interventional surgeries (e.g., lumbar or cervical disc intervention, gynecological fallopian tube reconstruction, uterine fibroid procedures)
Representative manufacturers:
- Domestic: Perlove Medical, Chimate, Konda Medical, Kam Medical
- International: GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Philips Healthcare
3. Large C-Arm X-ray Machine (DSA)
Commonly known as “Large C”, the Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) system features a larger C-arm radius and is mainly used for:
cardiac, neuro, peripheral, tumor, and general interventional procedures, as well as non-vascular interventions.
Large C systems are stationary (either ceiling- or floor-mounted), with a power rating typically above 80 kW, and are widely used in advanced hospitals.
Representative manufacturers:
- Domestic: Wandong Medical, Neusoft Medical, Weimai Medical, TCL Medical
- International: GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Philips Healthcare, Shimadzu
Large C-Arm X-ray Machine (DSA)
