The decision to purchase equipment as large as a c-arm machine is not an easy one, and once you’ve made up your mind, selecting a brand and model can be equally challenging.
Given the large number of C-arms on the market today, it is necessary for you to be aware of their differences and the features that are most beneficial.
Excellent image quality, size, detector, space, and warranty – all these are key features to consider for best performance.
5 considerations when buying a C-arm machine
- Image Quality
C-arm machines differ widely regarding the power ratings of their generators. There are various C-arm generators that offer different ranges of kVA and mA.
High-resolution C-arms deliver sharper images and are often easier to read.
The resolution of C-arms differs widely, with the more lines per inch, the clearer the resolution.
In demanding intraoperative fluoroscopies, such as orthopaedic, trauma and invasive vascular examinations, there is generally a need for imaging that provides excellent image quality and clarity for the benefit of the case.
However, not all surgeries need the highest resolution, so it’s better to do some tests firstly based on the procedure you will perform.
A c-arm machine with sharper, lower grain images is essential for surgical procedures. Perlove Surgical C-arm System is the best option for you that provide images with high brightness and high contrast.
- Size
C-arm machines are not “one size fits all” and range in size from small to large. So when you’re buying a C-arm machine, it’s essential to get an idea of the size of the image intensifier you want, and whether you’ll be moving the machine in or around a hospital or clinic.
- Mini C-Arm
Mini C-arms are smaller systems, typically with a 4″ / 6-inch” image intensifier. They are a suitable choice for sports medicine and orthopaedics in the clinic.
They are ideal for scanning hands, feet, elbows, shoulders, etc. They can also be used to view real-time bone alignment while external fixation of fractures is in progress.
- Compact C-Arm
It is bigger than the mini C-arm but is still tinier than the full-size C-arm. The compact C-arm has an all-in-one design in which the monitor, generator, tube, image intensifier, console and C-arm are all packed into one unit.
Such compactness offers significant space savings in the operating room and eliminates clutter.
Compact units also have a lower cost than standard-sized systems, yet they can process the majority of common cases. Wiseye PLX119C Mobile C-arm System with Upgraded FPD is an ideal choice if you are considering buying a compact C-Arm.
- Full-Size C-Arm
The full-size C-arm is the machine most commonly used. It is composed of a “C” shaped mobile unit and a single cart. the C-arm section includes the image intensifier, x-ray tube and rotatable C-arm.
The biggest disadvantage of the full-size C-arm is that it needs a lot of space because it comes with two larger pieces of equipment.
- Super C C-Arm
It has more room between the centre and outer edges enabling them to hold larger patients easier.
Super C-arm images have an additional 7 inches and 5 inches of curvature in the image intensifier compared to that of full-size C-arms, from which Cardiac-focused and pain management experts can benefit.
- Detector
One of the many benefits of flat panel detectors over image intensifiers is the lower dose. Today, more C-arm machines with flat panel detectors are being purchased than image intensifiers.
Normally, the dose required is determined by the type of image, the number of views, the characteristics of the individual patient, the type and time of the procedure, and the technique applied.
PLX7500 Lead the Trend of 3D lmaging has large amorphous silicon planar detectors that provide large, crystal clear 2D images and high-resolution 3D reconstructions. Every tiny anatomical structure and implant becomes clearly visible.
- Space
It is critical to measure out the scheduled location in which you intend to place the C-arm in order to choose the size and type of C-arm.
Ensure that the C-arm is placed in a room with enough clearance to allow you to manoeuvre the C-arm for better visibility while not moving the patient. The lower part of the mobile C-arm has to be low enough to fit under hospital beds and OR tables.
Also, if you need to retract the C-arm during non-working hours, be sure there is adequate clearance between the corridor and the doorway. There should be some free space in the area from the image intensifier to the x-ray tube so that you can adjust it to get the best image output.
- Warranty
When you are buying a C-arm, make sure the warranty will cover parts, labour and travel time.
Whenever possible, be ready to have your system repaired; whether it be for routine maintenance or bigger repair troubles, just be sure a reliable service engineer is available to inspect and repair your system.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned everything about how to choose a C-arm machine, it’s time to decide which machine is right for you. You may be stuck on where to buy the best C-arm machine, you can stop searching now.
At Perlove, we have a large inventory of surgical C-arm systems to choose from and we are a company that you can trust. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
