Over the past two decades, the field of vascular medicine has grown rapidly. Its reach extends well beyond the treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). Today cardiologists, cardiovascular specialists and surgeons are treating a diverse range
of arterial and venous conditions and diseases. Among the conditions that can be treated through vascular surgery are chronic limb ischemia, acute limb ischemia, diseases of the aorta, inflammatory diseases of the blood vessels, aneurysms, stroke, varicose veins, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and lymphedema. Vascular surgery can even be used to heal wounds and treat non-vascular medical conditions like scleroderma and Raynaud's syndrome.
One reason for the growth of vascular medicine is the improvement and use of mobile C-Arm technologies in diagnosis and treatment. The flexibility and mobility of C-Arm devices is what allows medical imaging professionals to provide essential services in hospitals, clinics and operating rooms around the world. Since their introduction in 1955, C-arm technology has advanced rapidly. C-Arms now provide high-resolution images in real time, allowing physicians to monitor progress during procedures and immediately make corrections if necessary which leads to higher quality patient outcomes. In the end, C-Arms save hospitals and clinics money because their installation is common and their use means fewer follow up operations.
Why a C-Arm?
At a basic level, a C-Arm consists of an X-Ray source and an image intensifier or flat-panel detector and a monitoring system or screen to view results. The C-shaped connecting element allows for a wide range of movement horizontally, vertically and around the swivel axes. This means X-Ray images of the patient can be produced at almost any angle. Depending on your needs and goals, there are many options including smaller mobile systems that still offer high image quality as well as higher-end models that have advanced cooling systems and upgraded software interfaces.
C-Arm systems are ideal for complex procedures and intraoperative imaging applications - like vascular surgery - which include long procedure times and expensive stents. This is because they are reliable, accessible for long periods of time, deliver high image quality and emit low levels of radiation.
What C-Arm Systems are Available?
GE Healthcare OEC 9900 C-Arm
The OEC 9900 is the newest C-arm in the General Electric family. It was designed to replace the General Electric 9800 C-Arm. According to GE, the system “delivers superb clinical images during both simple and challenging imaging cases, with fast and easy positioning.” The OEC 9900 initial sales price was not as expensive as its predecessor because GE has changed some of the manufacturing materials. However, because this model is one of GE’s newest to the market it is not widely available in a refurbished or used state.
GE Healthcare OEC 9800 C-Arm
The OEC 9800 is regarded as a top of the line C-arm machine that can be a reliable workhorse in any clinic or imaging facility. It is used in more facilities worldwide than any other mobile C-arm system. For those looking for a high resolution imaging system, a refurbished OEC 9800 can be the perfect solution. It offers premium performance, has high availability for parts and service, and will undoubtedly be in service around the world for years if not decades.
Philips BV Pulsera C-Arm
Philips was the first company to market a mobile C-arm system and while it is not the most common system, it is highly capable and widely used across the world. The Philips BV Pulsera began as the BV 300 and has received many upgrades. It is not quite as powerful as the GE OEC line but the Philips system is competitive in both image quality and versatility. The system features a fast cooling rotating anode tube, which have eliminated cooling issues of the older systems and make the Pulsera a trusted and high-end C-arm system.
Siemens Arcadis Avantic C-Arm
The Siemens Arcadis Avantic is a high-end multi-purpose C-arm. It is particularly well suited for applications requiring high power and a larger field of view, such as vascular, cardiac surgery and gastroenterology, and many other fields of practice. It features generator performance of up to 25 kW with a handy 13″ image intensifier and superior image quality.
How to Choose Your C-arm
If you need more information about refurbished C-arm systems contact Atlantis Worldwide today. Our knowledgeable representatives are here to help assist you in finding the mobile C-Arm that is right for your budget and your practice. By purchasing a refurbished system from a reputable retailer like Atlantis Worldwide, you insure your investment will work when you need it. Contact Us Today!
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- Philips C-Arm Manufacturer Spotlight
- C-Arms - The Perfect Tool for Veterinarian
Meet the author: Alex Silbergleit
