3D C-arms, also known as intraoperative CT, allow for intraoperative acquisition of 3D images to generate CT-like tomography images. For example, Perlove Medical’s PLX7500 series 3D C-arm can automatically and continuously rotate 190°, acquire 100 frames or 380 frames by pulse fluoroscopy, and volumetrically reconstruct them into 3D stereoscopic images, as well as corresponding sagittal, coronal, and transverse cross-sections. 1-minute 3D images are instantly presented, and the doctor can select the window of interest to browse the image information of different tomographic sections layer by layer, and observe the bone tissues and implants. Observation of bone tissue and implants. No manual facet and point illumination is required to guide the implant to the desired site, realizing minimally invasive surgical treatment.

One of the advantages of using 3D C-arm is that it can optimize the surgical process by replacing the traditional postoperative CT examination with intraoperative CT-like tomography, which can realize the true meaning of “intraoperative CT” instead of “postoperative CT“, effectively reduce the probability of revision surgery, improve surgical efficiency, and increase the efficiency of surgery. This effectively reduces the probability of revision surgery, improves surgical efficiency and optimizes resource allocation.

The following figure shows the comparison of the surgical process using 3D C-arm and traditional 2D C-arm:

Comparison of Surgical Process

Using 3D C-arm: X-ray examination during the operation, performing the operation, performing 3D examination during the operation, if any adjustment is found to be necessary, correcting it in time, and then leaving the operating room.

Using a 2D C-arm: Again, an intraoperative X-ray is performed, the surgery is performed, and after the surgery, a CT examination is performed on a CT machine. If the result of the surgery is not satisfactory, such as the screw implantation position is deviated, a revision surgery is required to make adjustments.

Through the process comparison diagram, we can visualize that the use of the 3D C-arm can effectively assist in the intraoperative positioning of the implant as well as checking the placement results. For example, is the screw inserted out of position or within the bone tissue? This type of intraoperative checking can greatly improve the success rate of surgery, reduce the risk of surgery, and avoid unnecessary postoperative revision surgeries.

So, which departments will use 3D C-arm?

The 3D C-arm is mainly used in orthopedics, especially in spine surgery (e.g. pedicle screw internal fixation, which effectively reconstructs a complex 3D model of the spine and improves the accuracy of screw implantation), arthroplasty, traumatology, and osteotomy and orthopedic surgery. In addition, it can also be used in gastrointestinal, endoscopy, urology, neurology, pain medicine and other departments.