C-Arm (Mobile Fluoroscopy)

C-shaped mobile fluoroscopic imaging system. X-ray tube on one end, image intensifier (legacy) or flat panel detector (modern) on the other. Used intra-operatively for real-time imaging in orthopedics, pain management, vascular, cardiac, general surgery.

Physics

Continuous-wave or pulsed X-ray fluoroscopy. Image intensifier converts X-ray to visible light, CCD or CMOS camera captures. Modern flat-panel detectors convert X-ray directly to electrical signal, eliminating the II tube.

History

• 1950s — image intensifier invented.
• 1960s — mobile C-arm form factor emerges.
• 1999 — OEC 9800 ships — becomes global workhorse.
• 2010 — OEC 9900 Elite succeeds 9800.
• 2010s — flat-panel detectors replace image intensifiers on premium units.

Key specs

• II size (legacy) — 9", 12" (modern: flat-panel size in cm)
• Arc depth — standard, Super-C (deeper)
• Orbital control — manual, motor-driven
• Generator power — kW, kVp ceiling
• Software packages — GSP, ESP, Vascular, NeuroVascular, Cardiac

Systems

• GE OEC 9800 family (legacy), OEC 9900 Elite (current)
• Ziehm Vision family
• Siemens Cios family
• Philips Veradius, Zenition

Service reality

Mobile, battery-operated when needed, plugs in for fluoro. Shared-generator architecture — one platform variant supports many configurations. Refurb market is the largest in imaging after ultrasound carts.

Regulatory

State fluoroscopy registration + operator licensing (per state). RSO often required. Dose monitoring per procedure.