C-arm systems

This chapter covers the design and functions of mobile C-arm X-ray systems used in intra-operative imaging (also known as ‘image intensifiers’, or IIs), including the movements and adjustments used for positioning and systems of X-ray production and image generation. C-arm and mobile C-arm imaging technology was born of the necessity to perform real-time X-ray imaging during surgical procedures. These systems perform real-time motion or cine imaging series as well as still images. The larger units, which are fixed, are generally used in dedicated imaging suites, whereas the smaller units, being mobile, can be moved to wherever a procedure requiring imaging takes place.