Mobile C-arm units

Mobile C-arm units, so named because of their configuration, are used primarily for fluoroscopic imaging during surgical, orthopedic, critical care, and emergency care procedures. They also provide radiographic capability, although they are rarely used for this imaging modality. We evaluated three mobile C-arm units from three manufacturers. We based our ratings on the ability of the units to safely and reliably produce the best possible image quality while delivering the lowest possible radiation dose to the patient and protecting personnel from radiation exposure; we also considered human factors design. The Philips BV 25 N is rated Acceptable and is preferred as a general-purpose unit. The OEC-Diasonics 9000/6 is also rated Acceptable and may be preferred when the hospital has specific uses for its optional specialty modules. The Fischer Ortho-Omni 325 is rated Acceptable-Not Recommended because of its relatively high patient exposure rates, poorer object thickness compensation (penetration) capability, poorer spatial resolution, and overall poor human factors design compared with the other evaluated units. Also see "Issues of Radiation Exposure" and "Ensuring Optimum Performance."