C-arms are instruments that have been in use since the 1990’s. C-arms are one of the main technologies used for surgeries that require minimal invasion. These are imaging systems which are both movable and fluoroscopic. They provide precise and accurate results. They cause the person the least amount of discomfort and pain. They are used in several types of surgical and non-surgical procedures as well.
One of the biggest benefits of noninvasive techniques such as the C-arm is that a patient can now go through what was previously a lengthy and complicated procedure as an outpatient. This not only saves the person time, but also saves a considerable amount of money: the procedure has therefore become highly cost-effective.
The original designs of the C-arms were previously used only for general surgery and orthopedic procedures. Since then, technology has advanced considerably and the design has developed significantly to make it a very versatile tool. They are now being described as versatile by both manufacturers as well as users.
Today, the use of C-arms has extended to minimal invasive surgeries, spinal surgeries, general surgeries, orthopedic surgeries and pain management. It includes procedures in the area of cardiology, urology, vascular, and neurovascular treatments.
A C-arm is an X-ray image intensifier. It refers to a special image intensifier that is used in X-rays. Its main components include input window, input phosphor, photo cathode, vacuum optics, electrode optics, and output window and output phosphor.
It is a very complex piece of machinery. It displays live images by shooting them onto a television screen. The C-arm of the machine can be moved in several directions such as vertical travel, horizontal travel, motorized vertical travel, and wig- wag about; the C-arm also rotates. It is light weight and easy to maneuver, giving the person administering it a lot of room to work.
A large part of the machine’s operation is done from the workstation unit of the machine. It consists of handles, switches, cable hangers, controls for radiography, fluoroscopy, brightness, and clearness of the image as well as large monitors.
X-ray tubes can be of two types – rotating anode or fixed anode. The images that are produced can be manipulated in several ways so as to be able to review images, view them at quick speed, and provide magnification as well as an over view of the images.
C-arms are used for either plain fluoroscopy or for digital subtraction angiography.