Whether you are a physician looking to open up a pain management practice, or a facility thinking of expanding to add surgical procedures, you will need a C-Arm system. We know the search process can be overloaded with information, and purchasing a C-Arm can be an expensive undertaking. But if you keep these 3 key questions in mind, your answers will steer you in the right direction, and you’ll find the perfect device, whatever your radiology needs may be.
#1 - How sharp do you want it?
The resolution of a C-Arm varies greatly. One system might offer 525 lines per inch resolution while another can offer 1000 lines per inch. The more lines per inch, the sharper the resolution will be. Not all procedures require the highest resolution. You can try different types to see which C-Arm gives you the best quality for the needs of the procedures you are going to be performing.
#2 - How big do you want it?
C-Arms come in different sizes. There are Mini-C-Arms, which are one-piece systems. These are good for scanning extremities like hands, feet, ankles, and even shoulders. Compact C-Arms are larger than a Mini-C-Arm yet not as big as a full size C-Arm. Full size C-Arms tend to be the most sought after model because with a full size, you can do just about any type of procedure. The open space in the regular full size C-arm is 26 inches, making it large enough to fit a table and patient between the image intensifier and the tube.
There are Compact C-Arms that are a hybrid of the mini and the full size C-Arms and they can be either one-piece or two-piece systems. The main benefit of the compact C-Arm is mobility.And last, but not least, there are the Super C C-Arms. A Super C C-Arm gives you more “Depth in Arc” which refers to the space in the middle of the C-arm to the outer edge of the ii. The open space in a Super C is 33 inches. This extra space allows for additional room to accommodate larger or obese patients.
#3 - How long do you want it?
A service plan with a warranty is an absolute must. When the time comes to discuss the coverage of your warranty plan, make sure it includes parts and labor as well as travel time. Also be aware that not all warranties cover everything. Some plans exclude X-Ray Tube and Image Intensifiers, which just so happen to be the two most expensive parts to replace. Others pro-rate X-Ray Tubes and Image Intensifiers. It’s important to know that just like other expensive pieces of equipment, there will need to be service done on the system at some point. Whether it is a routine preventative maintenance or a larger issue that needs to be repaired, make sure there are local service engineers that can come out to work on your system in a timely manner.
Have you figured out your answers to questions 1, 2 and 3? If so, you’ll find that figuring out which is the right C Arm for your needs isn’t as difficult as it may have seemed. Should you have any other questions about refurbished C-Arms or any other radiology equipment needs, we are always here to help you out. Feel free to contact us at any time.
Call Alex Silbergleit at 212-366-9100 x 190 for a free consultation or email alex@atlantisworldwide.com
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Meet the author: Vikki Harmonay
