Full-size C-arms have pros and cons. They have large dual monitors, power generators and a full-sized “C” shaped mobile unit. They also require a room big enough to house the C-Arm and a separate monitor cart.

Patient Comfort

Patient comfort matters, and healthcare professionals can greatly improve patient comfort in their facilities. The simple things in HCAHPS ratings and patient satisfaction surveys may make a significant impact. During stressful times, patients maintain control and comfort by using strategies such as positive thinking, looking for reassuring signs of safety and normality, interacting with staff, following routines, planning and self-care. Distressing healthcare experiences can exacerbate these efforts. Ask surgeons and radiographers to try it out during a demo or trial. It’s important to see how it moves, its positioning capabilities (horizontal, vertical and swivel), and its cooling abilities. Sufficient cooling capabilities can make all the difference during long, demanding procedures. Some systems have this capability, while others don’t. You must understand what you need to ensure your clinicians are comfortable during the process.

Detector Size

Full-size C-arms have the largest arc to accommodate most procedures and have the highest generator power capacity to penetrate thick body parts. It allows them to be used for hips, femurs, shoulders, knees, clavicle, lumbar and cervical spine cases, and urological and vascular cases. They usually consist of a mobile unit (C-arm), a monitor cart with dual monitors, a C-shaped X-ray tube, and general controls. They have 26 inches of open space, easily fitting a patient and surgical table. If you are considering a full-size c-arm, test it with your surgeons and radiographers. See how easy it is for them to work with and if they feel comfortable operating it. You also want to check how many images it can store and if it has a CD burner for post-case image storage.

Imaging Capabilities

A mini C-arm is a good option if you need a device that can be utilized for spine, torso, and pain management operations. These systems eliminate the separate monitor cart in full-size units and save space. Compact c-arms typically have a 6″ image intensifier and offer higher kVp’s and mA’s for x-ray capabilities than their full-size and mini counterparts. However, this increased power could increase the potential radiation exposure to your patients depending on the type of procedure you perform. Be sure to inquire about the cooling capabilities of a compact C-arm. You want your unit to stay cool during procedures, especially longer ones. Also, ensure you know if your facility can support the kVp and mA’s the C-arm requires or if you need to upgrade your electrical system. Also, ask what type of storage and viewing capability your C-arm has; for example, will it have USB or CD storage?

Space Requirements

A full-size C-Arm is large and needs ample space. It is a two-piece system that requires room for the generator, monitor cart, and imaging table. This type of C-arm is good for orthopedic, urological, cardiovascular and vascular procedures. A compact C-arm eliminates the separate monitor cart and is one piece. This model is good for extremity scanning but can only handle a limited caseload. Whether you choose a full or mini C-arm, measure all the doorways it will need to pass through. It’s important to know if your facility can accommodate the dimensions of this equipment, as it can be difficult and disruptive to workflow to reposition the C-arm for various angles and positions constantly. It is a good idea to test out your future C-arm in the same room where it will be located. It can help you save money and headaches in the long run.