C-Arm

Introduction to Radiotechnology
by
Cabacungan, Jade Raphael R.
What is a C-Arm
machine?

C-arm machine is a device used by a

physician to guide surgical instruments while
watching the instrument being driven on a
live x-ray machine. The C-arm is also referred
to as an X-ray image intensifier, or XRII
What are the common uses of a C-
Arm?

 C-arm is used for a variety of diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive

surgical procedures

 It helps in visualizing kidney drainage, abdominal and thoracic aortic

aneurysm repair, percutaneous valve replacements, cardiac surgery,
vascular surgery, neuro stimulation, orthopedics, pain management and
neurology procedures.
C-Arm

 The C-Arm can be found in the operating room or catherization lab. It has
many different parts namely x-ray tube, filters, colliminator, anti scatter
grid, image intensifier, aperture and lenses, and a video camera.
X-ray tube
 Filter

The filters remove low energy x-

rays so that the machine can
produce a high quality image
The collimator is used to limit the area of which the x-rays would hit
the patient
Anti scatter grid
removes scatter
radiation. Grids are
used particulary in
examinations where
a large quantity of
scatter is created
aperture is a hole
or an opening
through
which light travels
A lens is a
transmissive optical device
that focuses or disperses
a light beam by means
of refraction
What happens in a C-Arm?

 A contrast media will be ingested or injected to the patient.

 The patient will lie down on the table.
 The c-arm machine will be adjusted according to the part of the body that will
be viewed.
 The radtech will begin the exposure by stepping on the pedal.
 The x-ray tube will produce x-rays then it will be absorbed by the image
intensifier.
 The results will be viewed in the monitor
 In a operative procedure the doctors will view the patient’s body while they
are doing a surgery to the patient.
.
Types of C-Arm models
Compact C-
Arm
Compact C-Arm machines are
larger than a Mini-C-Arm, but not
as big as a Full size C-Arm (almost
like a hybrid of the two). These
compact systems can come in
either one-piece or two-piece
systems, with the main benefit
being its mobility.
Mini C-arm
Mini-C-Arm machines, which are smaller systems
typically used in clinics for sports medicine
Full size C-Arms
These C-Arm machines are
usually used for swallow tests,
spine and torso studies,
cardiology, pain management
and surgery.
Super C C-Arms

A Super C C-Arm gives more space from the middle of

the C-arm to the outer edge. The extra open space in a
Super C (33 inches), allows for additional room to
accommodate larger or obese patients.
 History of C-arm
The mobile C-arm stand for radiology use in
surgery was first developed by the German Philips
Medical Systems organization and launched
commercially in 1955. It was the first system to be
based entirely on the use of the image intensifier,
and this C-arm form continues to be used in the
most high-tech interventional X-ray systems
developed today.

In 1965, Philips introduced the 6-inch X-ray image

intensifier. Its tube construction and wide-angle
viewer enabled an X-ray image to be observed
with both eyes at a viewing distance of 50cm - a
considerable achievement at the time.
Founders of Philips

Anton Philips Gerard Philips