Types of C-Arm Imaging Systems and Their Applications
1. Small C-Arm (Orthopedic C-Arm)
Also known as the C-arm X-ray machine, small C-arm, orthopedic C-arm, or mobile C-arm, this imaging device is widely used in medical procedures requiring real-time fluoroscopic imaging.
Main Uses
Orthopedics: Used for osteopathy, fracture reduction, and nailing procedures.
Surgical Applications: Assists in foreign body removal, cardiac catheterization, pacemaker implantation, and certain interventional therapies.
Other Medical Applications: Utilized in pain management in conjunction with ozone therapy, small needle knife treatments, and guided gynecological procedures such as fallopian tube surgery.
Small C-arms are highly prevalent in hospitals, with most secondary hospitals equipped with this technology. There are many domestic manufacturers, particularly in cities like Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai, offering different quality configurations.
2. Medium C-Arm (Peripheral Interventional C-Arm)
The peripheral interventional C-arm, commonly referred to as the "medium C" in the industry, is designed to enhance complex interventional procedures. It is distinguished not only by increased tube power but also by improved system integration and maneuverability. The addition of Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) functions allows medium C-arms to perform over 80% of the surgical procedures typically handled by large vascular machines (big C) in clinical settings.
Main Clinical Applications
Neurosurgical Angiography and Subtraction Imaging
Gastrointestinal Interventional Procedures: Includes procedures like ERCP and esophageal stent placements.
Interventional Treatment for Abdominal and Pelvic Tumors: Used for liver and kidney interventional surgeries.
Limb Angiography and Plastic Surgery Applications
Minimally Invasive Pain Management Procedures: Includes lumbar and cervical spine interventions.
Gynecological Procedures: Fallopian tube reconstruction and uterine fibroid surgeries.
3. DSA
Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) is an advanced X-ray diagnostic technique processed by electronic computing. It represents a major advancement in X-ray diagnostic technology, following the development of CT imaging. DSA is primarily used for diagnosing and treating systemic vascular diseases.
Features and Differences
Compared to the small and medium C-arms, the large C-arm is a fixed system, either ceiling-mounted or floor-mounted. It generally has a power output exceeding 80kW, making it suitable for high-demand vascular imaging and complex interventions.
Conclusion
C-arm imaging systems play a critical role in modern medical diagnostics and interventions. Small C-arms are ideal for orthopedic and basic surgical procedures, medium C-arms enhance interventional treatments with DSA capabilities, and large C-arms (DSA vascular machines) are indispensable for advanced vascular imaging and treatments. The continuous advancements in C-arm technology contribute significantly to improving diagnostic precision and procedural success across various medical disciplines.
