A C-arm is an imaging scanner intensifier. The name derives from the C-shaped arm used
to connect the x-ray source and x-ray detector to one another. It allows physicians to
imaging during surgerical, orthopedic and emergency care procedures.

The best way to extend the life of any imaging equipment is to have an annual
preventative maintenance(PM) performed. The preventative maintenance, ensures that
the system is calibrated to proper Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Standards
and that any necessary batteries ect are replaced before the system is improperly shut
down due to lack of power. Second, keep the equipment plugged into a consistent power
source, with a proper power conditioner, this will ensure that the power is monitored
properly and that power surges do not hit the equipment. Third, ensure that the monitors
are put in sleep mode when the system is not in use so that the screen does not have an
image burn. These three simple things can help extend the life of the C-arm.

Like any equipment or machinery, purchasing a used or refurbished system is always
more cost effective than purchasing a new piece of equipment that will immediately lose
value due to depreciation. In addition, used/refurbished equipment often times has all of
the “kinks” removed and should be operating to optimal performance.

Most medical imaging equipment is durable and long-lasting whether the system
is used infrequently or everyday. A used or refurbished C-Arm costs much less than
newer models and often you are able to receive additional features with refurbished
equipment that may have been cost prohibitive with a new purchase. iRAD’s refurbished
equipment often comes with a great warranty as well to protect your investment.

There really isn’t any way to tell how long a tube will last, there are many variables that
go into the life of the tube. The most obvious way to tell is to look at the system’s
odometer (number of hours in use) similar to a vehicle, the more hours, the more use. In
a lighter used system, a tube may last years, in a heavily used system it may only last 1-
2 years. The best way to ensure that a tube lasts as long as possible is to follow the
steps in Question #2 regarding how to extend the life of my C-Arm.

Price varies based upon manufacturer and model, most new C-Arms that are good
functioning workhorses in the field cost $150,000 with a one-year warranty. A
refurbished system from the same manufacturer, only a few years old, may be in the
price range of $75,000-$90,000 with a one-year warranty and a foreign manufactured
new C-Arm with a two-year warranty could be $110,000. Warranty prices vary
depending upon the features, manufacturer and parts availability. The best value is
always going to be a refurbished system with a warranty.

Obviously, the most expensive plan would be a full parts and labor warranty for a C-Arm
these cost on average between $12,000-$15,000 annually. The pricing variation
depends upon models as well as parts availability in the United States. Often times,
foreign manufacturers will lower warranty costs but parts are not available in the US and
the customer is forced to wait days and sometimes weeks and months for the parts to
repair their system.

Each C-Arm has two pieces, the actual C or arm for imaging and the monitor/cart to view
the image and control the C. On average the C weighs in the range 600lb range and the
monitor/cart weighs 350lbs.

A larger area would accommodate ease of use and movement of the C-arm but at a
minimum you will need a 10ft x 12ft room to operate a C-Arm.

YES! By renting a C-arm, you can take advantage of this technology without large,
upfront capital expenses. C-arm rental also lets you test a potential customer base or
work to resolve case overload. We offer rentals for the week, month or year.

YES! By renting a C-arm, you can take advantage of this technology without large,
upfront capital expenses. C-arm rental also lets you test a potential customer base or
work to resolve case overload. We offer rentals for the week, month or year.

Radiation exposure to staff involved in fluoroscopy procedures arises from two main sources
—”scattered” radiation from the patient and “leakage” radiation from the x-ray tube.
Regulations are in place that limit the amount of leakage radiation an x-ray tube can emit
and all x-ray tubes must meet that limit when they are manufactured.
Of the two sources of exposure, it is the scattered radiation that varies considerably and is the
higher contribution of exposure to the fluoroscopy staff. Protective coverings including leaded
aprons, thyroid collars, and lead eyewear are important in reducing the scattered and leakage
radiation to very low levels. As a final precaution wearing a personnel monitoring badge under
the lead apron helps to monitor the monthly dose of radiation to the technicians.

C-arms are commonly used for studies requiring the maximum positional flexibility
such as:

• Angiography studies (peripheral, central and cerebral);
• Therapeutic studies (Line placements, trans jugular biopsies, TIPS stent, embolization);
• Cardiac studies;
• Orthopedic procedures

A C-arm is an imaging scanner intensifier. The name derives from the C-shaped arm used to connect the x-ray source and x-ray detector to one another. It
allows physicians to imaging during surgical, orthopedic and emergency care
procedures. Common brands include OEC 9600, OEC 9800, OEC 9900, Siemens
Arcadia, Philips Pulsera, Genoray Oscar 15 and Genoray Zen 7000.

A C-Arm provides better imaging than an x-ray to look at bones during orthopedic
procedures. During cardiac other procedures is it used to look for placement of devices
during surgery.