C-Arms – Information and Usages
C-Arm name is derived from the C-shaped arm used to connect the x-ray source and x-ray detector to one another, and has various spellings:

C-Arm
- C-arm,
- C-Arm,
- c-arm,
- c arm.
C-arms have radiographic capabilities, though they are used primarily for fluoroscopic intraoperative imaging during surgical, orthopedic and emergency care procedures. The devices provide high-resolution X-ray images in real time, thus allowing the physician to monitor progress and immediately make any corrections.
Configurations of Permanently Installed Fluoroscopic Systems:
- A radiolucent patient examination table with an under-table mounted tube and an imaging system mounted over the table.
- C-arm systems that are used where greater flexibility in the examination process is needed.
C-arm Systems Usages:
- Angiography studies (peripheral, central and cerebral);
- Therapeutic studies (Line placements, transjugular biopsies, TIPS stent, embolizations);
- Cardiac studies;
- Orthopedic procedures
Potential Safety Issues with C-Arms:
Failure of the x-ray beam collimation may lead to primary beam x-ray exposure outside of the selected image intensifier input area. This would result in image degradation. Light generated outside the area of the image intensifier input at magnification causes additional loss of contrast of the image with increased noise. Additionally, unnecessary additional dose to the patient would result.
If the C-arm or fittings are damaged, the x-ray tube and intensifier may become misaligned resulting in image degradation or loss, as well as presenting a potential injury to staff and patient if the structural integrity of the C-arm or mounted components are compromised.
At Pacific Healthcare Imaging, we offer high-quality, new, used, refurbished, and rental c-arms machine and mini c-arms at wholesale cost. We offer a wide variety of medical imaging systems from brand names like GE, Sonosite, Hologic, Ziehm, Phillips, Siemens and more, at a discounted rate.
Contact our technicians have many years of experience in the medial imaging field, and can help with your medical imaging requirements.