A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 3 3
1. Size
One of the first deci-
sions you'll face is
whether to choose a
full-sized mobile C-arm,
which is capable of
imaging practically any
part of a patient, head
to toe, or a mini C-arm,
a more compact unit
that's ideal for scanning just the extremities or smaller operative sites. To
choose between the two, assess the variety and volume of procedures that
require fluoroscopic imaging at your facility.
A full-sized mobile C-arm is built big enough to fit around your largest patients,
making them ideal for spine surgery and procedures performed on hips and large
fractures. But it's not the only reason. Larger units also deliver more imaging
power for a greater ability to see through soft tissue and higher quality images,
and often offer magnification functions.
If your facility doesn't host a high volume of large orthopedic cases, you might
be hesitant to spend your capital budget on equipment that can cost as much as
$100,000 to $140,000. The latest C-arms are capable of more than just muscu-
loskeletal imaging, though. If your facility is ready to expand its services, and
can make the C-arm available to pain management, urology or even vascular
specialists, you can keep scheduling larger ortho cases, while also growing your
business by filling slots on the schedule.
If, on the other hand, it's your hand surgery business that's really thriving — or
your foot and ankle service line is making great strides — you'll need a high-
functioning mini C-arm. The compact unit is more conveniently maneuvered in
and around the OR and its reduced footprint leaves more space for other tech-
nologies.
z SHOW TIME Newer C-arms offer improved
image quality along with the safer use of radiation.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
