A C-arm is an indispensable piece of equipment for many surgeons. It allows for accurate real-time imaging that can be used to guide procedures. When a C-arm goes down, it can cause a lot of disruption in the surgery schedule. When looking for a site to place your C-arm, you will need to consider many things. The size of the room is one factor, and the amount of power you will need. You also need to think about allowing for adequate space for C-arm service and repair.
When looking for a C-arm service and repair company, it is essential to find one with experience in your specific field. You will need a company that understands the complexities of C-arm usage for you and your patients. In addition, when planning your C-arm room, it is essential to consider the size of the room. By understanding your needs as an end-user and those of the C-arm service and repair company, you can create a partnership that benefits everyone involved. Here we will discuss some of the factors you will need to consider when planning your C-arm installation.
We understand what it means to you and your patients when a C-arm is down. With 1904 HTM, your urgent and unscheduled X-ray repairs are our priority.
Things to consider for determining the room size
If you do not have a C-arm yet but plan to purchase one soon, you should consider where the C-arm procedures will be best performed. What size room do you need to house the C-arm and table? The room should not be less than 10 x 12 feet. This is a relatively small room where it will be a tight fit with a standard size C-arm and table, providing just enough space to you to carry your work and to the C-arm service and repair technicians. However, you probably want to have more than just enough room to maneuver the C-arm and access the patient. If you can utilize a bigger space, it will be more comfortable for everyone. The mobile C-arm’s lower portion must be low enough to fit underneath the C-arm table.
The majority of the information given below is based on the measurement of an OEC 9800 with a 9″ image intensifier. Considering how common that model is, the specifications should help you determine how much space is needed.
C-Arm base width
The distance between the outer sides of one rear wheel and the other is approximately 34″. Ensure you measure the width of all the doorways your future C-arm is likely to pass through, not just the main entrance to your facility. Knowing if you’ll have to replace a door in advance of the arrival of your C-arm will be extremely useful.
Monitor cart
Carts for many other popular models are similar in size to those for the OEC 9800 monitor. The base of this cart measures 27″ x 2″. It stands 64″ tall. There are some manufacturers who produce more compact carts, so if you use this figure as a baseline, you may even have a bit more wiggle room and comfort in the final setup if you plan conservatively in the beginning.
Maximum C extension
From the back cover to the tube housing tip, the C-arm measures 102″ at its maximum extension. As long as your room has some extra space above and beyond this position, your team and C-arm service and repair technicians will be much more comfortable moving around it. Always keep in mind operator health and safety when moving or using your C-arm.
C-Arm table
Typical C-arm tables are approximately 24″ wide and 84″ long. The dimensions of some tables can be increased with accessories, such as arm boards or stirrups, but these are generally removable so that the table can be transported between rooms. If you’re in need of assistance setting up your c-arm room, the experienced consultants at 1904 HTM can help make the process easy and hassle-free for you and your staff.
Will doctors, patients, and technicians have room to move?
If you plan to use your C-arm in more than one room, make sure to take measurements in all of them. If your C-arm route does not go as planned, this will avoid any surprises or disappointments. It’s annoying and disruptive to workflow when you have to move your C-arm every time a new patient arrives for a procedure or study. The C-arm may not be able to reach certain angles and positions if the system is too close to the wall. You’ll also want to make sure you are accounting for the special needs of certain patients, such as those who are pregnant, and managing your c-arm room accordingly.
Note where the doorways are located, which ways the door opens, and how much the space will be between the C-arm/table and the walls. If you are thinking about adding cabinets and countertops, you need to ensure that the remaining space allows enough room for the C-arm, doctors, patients, and C-arm service and repair technicians to move around the room.
Tips to keep your C-arm up and running
Preventative maintenance of your C-arm is the key. The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) provides a service manual with the purchase of a C-arm. It’s essential to follow the preventative maintenance steps closely. By consistently conducting simple inspections of your C-arm, you will be able to catch minor issues before they become big ones. You should have a calendar and checklist for routine preventative maintenance for your C-arm (and any medical imaging device, for that matter.) As with any expensive medical equipment, you’ll want qualified technicians to perform the routine c-arm service and repair. Outsourcing this work to professionals like those at 1904 HTM saves administrators and staff headaches and stress related to maintaining their C-arms.
It’s also essential to thoroughly clean your C-arm regularly. It’s necessary to follow the instructions from your OEM about cleaning. Still, as a rule, you should wear protective equipment, use disinfectant wipes on surfaces, remove any debris from the wheels or wheel wells and remove and clean the X-ray housing cover per manufacturer guidelines.
Looking for C-arm service and repair support?
Your medical imaging equipment management has extensive needs, from making purchase decisions to calibration, repairs, replacement parts, and preventative maintenance. As each HDO has its own unique requirements, 1904 HTM stands ready to serve the Puget Sound corridor including Portland, Seattle, and Tacoma with our top-tier C-arm service and repair. We know what it means to have a C-arm down, when patients cannot get the diagnostic and surgical care they need. With our commitment to you and those under your care, you can trust that your urgent and unscheduled x-ray repairs will be done as soon as possible and to the highest degree of accuracy. Contact us today to learn more about the C-arm service and repair we provide.