Surgical Navigation, stent placement and needle placement are the main purposes of these mobile X-ray systems. They help surgeons see real-time images of the spine, ankles, knees and hips for precise implantation procedures. When choosing a mini C-arm, ask your surgeons and radiographers how easy it is to use and take note of the image quality. Also, check the power requirements of your OR and whether it meets them.
Imaging of Extremities
Visualizing the alignment of fractures during or immediately after reduction maneuvers allows clinicians to correct positioning more accurately, reduce the time of sedation, decrease the need for repeated reduction attempts, and lower the overall cost of care. Look for a system with image processing software for optimal performance and ease of use. It’s important to know how much image storage a C-arm can accommodate. Check the system’s capacity if you need to send images to PACS or want a place for printouts. In surgery suites or clinical settings, the OEC Elite Miniview enables surgeons to quickly and easily take high-quality pictures independently. Also, ask vendors about their cooling capabilities. Especially during longer procedures, you don’t want your C-arm to overheat and interrupt the process. Ask your surgeons and techs how easy the machine is to operate. Most manufacturers offer a trial period, so your staff can get a feel for the product before purchasing it. Ask them how many push buttons it takes to perform different functions. Ensure your team can understand the user interface and find it intuitive, which will help them be productive during procedures.
Imaging of Small Parts of the Body
Mini C-arms can image small body areas, such as tendons, ligaments and muscles. They provide real-time imaging, reducing the need to take multiple images with traditional X-rays. It reduces patient wait time, cuts costs associated with transporting patients to and from imaging centers, and enhances physician workflow efficiency. These devices have a flat-panel detector, which delivers better imaging quality than the old products with image intensifiers. They also provide more maneuverability, as they are smaller and don’t hinder surgeon access to the patient as much as a larger unit would. When shopping for a mini C-arm, examine how many images the device can store. You’ll be taking many pictures and videos, so you must have enough storage capacity to complete the job. Also, look for features that enable the operator to save a particular position for quick, easy reference later in the procedure.
Imaging of Large Parts of the Body
For instance, intraoperative imaging is indispensable during spine surgery to precisely position implants and instrumentation. It requires high-resolution fluoroscopy. For this purpose, mobile C-arms with a large flat-panel detector are an attractive option. Unlike full-size C-Arms that require an image intensifier, mini C-arms with a flat panel detector offer instant results without this delay. They also feature a smaller gap between the X-ray source and the sensor, which reduces radiation exposure. A recent study compared the ability of mini C-arms to visualize fracture alignment and reduction after manual manipulation using anteroposterior (AP) and lateral wrist images. The results showed that X-rays were favored for AP positioning and confidence in determining fracture reduction and guiding treatment decision-making.
Imaging of Internal Organs
X-ray imaging with Mini C-Arms is used for fluoroscopic imagining in orthopedic surgery and cardiovascular and vascular procedures. Mini C-arms are often called mobile, portable, or compact C-arms. A portable C-arm allows quick and efficient imaging in various settings, including the emergency room and the clinic. It can assist with fracture reduction, decrease the sedation needed for successful removal maneuvers, and decrease the length of time patients are exposed to radiation during imaging. When selecting a portable C-arm, it is important to examine its capabilities, including the ability to rotate, image swivel, and move horizontally and vertically. Additionally, it is necessary to understand the system’s cooling capacities, as this can directly impact patient safety and comfort. Ask your supplier about the system’s cooling capabilities during a demo or trial. Lastly, examine the number of button presses to perform various tasks, which indicates the device’s intuitiveness.
