Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Facts About C Arm X Ray

By Elizabeth Burns


The term C-arm is used to refer to an imaging machine that is based on X-ray technology. Basically, it is an imaging scanner intensifier that can be used flexibly in different kinds of operating rooms in a health facility. The name C-arm is usually derived from the C-shaped arm that is used to connect the source of X-rays to the x-ray detector. Although c arm x ray devices have radiographic capabilities, they are mostly used for fluoroscopic intraoperative imaging.

This machine is used in surgical operations, emergency care, orthopedic, traumatology, and cardiology. The machine was first introduced in 1955 and ever since this introduction in the field of medicine, it has rapidly undergone a number of advancements. The machine operates in real time giving out X-ray images with high- resolution. During surgery, the machine often allows physicians to monitor progress and to be able to immediately make any corrections required.

There are certain versions of the device that are secured permanently in the position they were originally set up. However, there are certain models that are movable and such models are referred to as mobile of portable C-arms. The mobile C-arm is made up of a flat-panel detector which is also known as an image intensifier and a generator.

The C-shaped connecting component of the machine usually allows a wide range of movements. For instance, it can move vertically, horizontally, and around the swivel axes. These movements make it possible for the machine to produce x-ray images of the patient from any angle the physician wants. The generator produces x-rays which are directed to the part of the body that needs to be x-rayed.

After the x-rays come in contact with the body and pass through, the detector detects the rays and converts them into visible images. The images are afterward presented on a screen where by a specialist is able to examine anatomical features such as the bones. Physicians are also able to examine the position of implants and surgical apparatus in the body.

Increasingly, flat-panel detectors are commonly gaining use nowadays. Earlier on, the systems used were image intensifiers (II), fixed in rooms and used to detect images. Detectors have added advantages including lower patient dose and better image quality thus rendering them more common. In addition, images from detectors have a fixed quality that does not change with time.

Compared to image intensifiers, flat-panel detectors are more expensive. Flat-panel detectors are still preferred despite being pricey since they are small in size unlike image intensifiers. These detectors are easier to use due to their small size.

The market of C-arms is controlled by a few major manufacturers. These manufacturers include Siemens, Philips, Ziehm, and GE healthcare. Each manufacturer tries to improve on a certain aspect of the equipment to make their models better. Some of the aspects that manufacturers compete in include size, image quality, portability, price and x-ray doses among many others. As a result of the competition, the prices of these devices have continuously gone down.




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