There are many different C-Arm packages out there but when it comes to image intensifiers, you generally need to pick between the 9" or a 12” size. So, if you are in the market for a C-Arm, how do you know which is the right one for you? It is simple, and I promise you will know exactly which one works best by the time you finish reading this article.
The first and most obvious difference between the two is the size. The adage "bigger is better" does not apply to C-Arms. Many C-Arms come with the tri-mode magnification settings. So, the 9" image intensifiers come in 4.5", 6" and 9" mode while the 12" image intensifiers come in the 6", 9" and 12" mode. So, while the 12" mode provides you with the larger field of view, that 9" image intensifier has the 4.5" mode gives you a greater degree of magnification and clarity.
How do you know whether you would benefit more from a larger field of view or from a more defined magnification mode? Well, that all depends on the procedures that you are performing with your C-Arm. As a general rule of thumb, if your practice focuses on orthopedics, pain management or general surgery, you are going to need a 9" image intensifier. Facilities that need the 12" image intensifier generally focus on vascular procedures. The larger field of view of the 12" magnification mode enables you to see a larger portion of the body enabling you to do procedures in a single shot that you would have difficulty doing with the 9" image intensifiers. There are 9" C-Arms with vascular capabilities, but if you need a vascular C-Arm you will benefit more by going with the 12" image intensifier.
Another difference, although one that shouldn't play that big of a role in your decision process, is the overall size of the system. C-Arms with 12" image intensifiers tend to be slightly larger beyond just the ii. If the room that you have designated for the C-Arm is not that big, this could come into play.
Lastly, the cost of the two C-Arms varies. And while bigger does not mean better when it comes to C-Arms, it does mean more money. C-Arms with 12" image intensifiers cost more than their 9" comrades. This makes it all that more important to know with certainty which C-Arm is right for you.
While you can use this blog as a general rule of thumb when it comes to image intensifier size, it might not always be as cut and dry as we are making it. There are C-Arms with 9" image intensifiers that have vascular capabilities. There are also C-Arms with 12" image intensifiers that do not have vascular capabilities. The OEC C-Arms with the cardiac package generally come with the 9" image intensifiers and the Philips C-Arms come with a 12” ii cardiac package. The best thing you can do if you are still uncertain about which image intensifier size is right for you is to talk to an Atlantis Worldwide representative and we will clear up any confusion that you have! Contact Us Today about your refurbished C-Arm needs!
Some blogs you may have missed:
- C-Arms & Vascular Health
- Flat Panel Detector C-Arms - A Look at the Future
- BE PREPARED! 4 Tips When Your C-Arm Is Not Working Correctly
- Will This C-Arm Fit Into This Room?
- Don’t Assume When You Buy A C-Arm Online
Meet the author: Alex Silbergleit
