C-arm
A C-arm is a mobile fluoroscopy system with an X-ray source and detector mounted on a C-shaped arm, giving live X-ray images during procedures. It is used in operating theatres for orthopaedic, vascular, urology and pain management procedures.
Common types
- Image intensifier C-arm: the traditional detector type with a round field of view.
- Flat panel C-arm: a digital detector with less distortion and a square field.
- Mini C-arm: a small unit for hand, wrist and foot surgery.
- 3D C-arm: rotates around the patient to reconstruct volume images in theatre.
What to tell us when you ask for a quotation
- Detector type and size (image intensifier in inches or flat panel in cm).
- Generator power and pulsed fluoroscopy capability.
- Arm depth, free space and orbital and angular rotation.
- Monitor trolley, number of screens and image storage capacity.
- Dose reduction features and DICOM export.
- Compatible radiolucent operating table.
- Quantity, destination country and the delivery terms you want (for example EXW, FOB or CIF).
Documents to ask for
Buyers ask for CE marking under the EU MDR or US FDA clearance, destination country registration, ISO 13485 for the maker and IEC 60601-1 with IEC 60601-2-54 test reports. Interventional (angiographic) C-arms are also tested to IEC 60601-2-43.
Certificates and registrations belong to the product and its manufacturer. We check them with you against the rules of your market before any order.
Is a flat panel C-arm worth the extra cost over an image intensifier?
Flat panels give an undistorted image across the field and are lighter, which helps in vascular and spine work. For routine orthopaedic trauma an image intensifier unit is still widely used and costs less to buy.
Send us the specification and quantity. We compare manufacturers in China and reply with options, lead times and the documents that come with each product. NJMC sources and checks; it does not manufacture.