FDR Cross C-Arm and Portable X-Ray (2024)

FAQs

What is the safe distance from the C-arm X-ray? ›

The radiation range of the c-arm machine is more than 2 meters, and the radiation amount is very small at a distance of 2 meters from the c-arm machine. Therefore, the safe distance of the c-arm radiation in the operating room is more than 2 meters.

A C-Arm machine is an advanced medical imaging device based on X-ray technology. They are primarily used for fluoroscopy capabilities, although they have radiography capability too. C-Arm is called so, due to its C-shaped arm, which is used to connect the x-ray source on one end and the detector on the other.

How is a C-arm different from radiography or fixed fluoroscopy machines? While radiography and fixed fluoroscopy machines produce static images, C-arm machines provide real-time imaging during procedures. This makes them invaluable in surgeries where precision is crucial.

They both are powered by electromagnetic radiation for the purpose of obtaining necessary images. X-rays are static images. They provide images of the inside of the body in still form. Fluoroscopy imaging provides a live “video” format image, which will show movement in the body or of an instrument.

Remain at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from an x-ray radiation source. Radiation is significantly reduced by distance.

A good rule of thumb is that if you are not wearing radiation protective apparel, stand at least two meters (m) away from the part of the patient being x rayed and two m away from the x-ray tube (usually the part of the c-arm under the table).

The unique design of C-arms allows them to move in various directions, expanding the field-of-view (FOV) and enhancing image quality and accuracy. Surgeons can obtain comprehensive visual information from different perspectives, enabling more informed decision-making during procedures.

C-arm surgical devices are versatile and commonly used in a variety of medical procedures. They are often used in orthopedic, cardiology, vascular, neurology, and urology surgeries.

Generally, the OEC 9800 is the best choice if you are looking to perform advanced procedures where higher resolution is required. The OEC 9800 has a 1k x 1k x 16 resolution imaging chain. The OEC 9600 has a 512 x 512-pixel resolution imaging chain.

The C-arm machine is a fluoroscopy system. Fluoroscopy is a method providing real-time X-ray imaging, which is particularly useful for guiding various diagnostic and interventional procedures. Though you should remember that C-arms are generally not used in diagnostics, they are made for surgery.

Is C-arm a CT scan? ›

In this article, the term C-arm CBCT will be used to refer to C-arm-mounted cone-beam CT units employing a digital flat-panel detector.

An extremity X-ray usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You will wait about 5 minutes until the X-rays are processed, in case repeat pictures need to be taken. In some clinics and hospitals, X-ray pictures can be shown right away on a computer screen (digitally).

Portable X-ray units allow complete exams, including chest and musculoskeletal X-rays, to be performed bedside or in other departments. These mobile X-ray systems are compact enough to maneuver through doorways and halls while providing the image quality and features of traditional stationary units.

The image quality of portable X-ray machines used to be a concern as well. But Miss Pilkington says that today's machines rival fixed units in this regard: "The images that are taken on those machines are of a comparable diagnostic standard."

A C-Arm machine categorizes itself as an advanced medical imaging device that works on the basic premise of the X-ray technology. They are fluoroscopy machines and are colloquially called as image intensifiers. However, technically, the image intensifier is only a part of the machine and it is called a detector.

The minimum source-to-skin distance for a stationary fluoroscopy tube should not be less than 38 cm (15 inches) and for a mobile C-arm, should not be less than 30 cm (12 inches).

Cervical spine lateral radiographs were taken at a 72-inch distance from the radiograph tube and centered at the C4–C5 disk space with the subject in a comfortable standing position with eyes forward and arms extended upon their chests.

There is no specific time period recommended between radiographs.

Without a collimator, the safe distance is calculated to be 100 meters. With a collimator that reduces intensity by 90.5%, the safe distance is calculated to be 10 meters. Formulas for intensity, exposure, film density, magnification, and unsharpness are also defined.