An Introduction to Mobile C-Arm X-Ray Systems

This article appeared as an introduction to the mobile c-arm comparison chart.

Mobile C-arm fluoroscopic X-ray systems are used for a variety of diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive surgical procedures. In the operating room (OR), they help in visualizing kidney drainage, abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysm repair, percutaneous valve replacements, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, gastroenterology, neuro stimulation, orthopedics, pain management and neurology procedures. Included in the mobile C-arm category are mini C-arms, which are smaller systems used in clinics for sports medicine, orthopedic and podiatric imaging.

There are only a handful of key players in the United States C-arm market, including GE Healthcare/OEC, Philips, Siemens and Ziehm Imaging. Outside the U.S., Shimadzu and Hitachi also sell systems. German-based Ziehm is a market leader in Europe and has made a strong push into the U.S. market over the last few years. In 2009, Philips expanded its product portfolio when it acquired Meditronics, the manufacturer of diagnostic and interventional X-ray systems. Manufacturers of mini C-arms include Hologic and Orthoscan.

Features on newer mobile C-arm systems include 3-D navigation aids and image processing software to improve image quality and system capabilities. For example, the cardiac and vascular models of GE/OEC imaging systems use motion tolerant subtraction (MTS) advanced processing algorithms to enable real-time subtraction without using a mask image. This allows the physician to perform a complete extremity run-off with a single contrast media injection and a single imaging run.

Some systems offer technologies to reduce the radiation dose delivered to patients. Other features include a touch-screen interface, laser aiming guides, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and procedure roadmapping, allowing vascular procedures to be planned with minimum amounts of contrast media and shorter fluoroscopy times.