C-Arm Parts Labeled: What Each Component Does in the OR

The C-arm gantry and movements

The gantry is the C-shaped arm with the tube at one end and the detector at the other. It is mounted on a support that allows several movements: vertical lift, horizontal travel, orbital rotation along the C, angulation of the C around its horizontal axis and often swivel or flip. These are the movements that let the surgeon change projection without moving the patient.

Brakes and counterbalance keep the arm in place. Inspect them and listen for grinding or sticking, because a drifting arm over a sterile field is a safety risk. Some models add motorised vertical movement, such as the motorised vertical travel on the Arcovis DRF.

X-ray tube, generator and collimator

The tube generates X-rays when high voltage is applied. It sits in a housing with oil for insulation and cooling, and many mobile units use a cooling fan or circulating system. A generator, usually mounted in the base or the arm, supplies kV and mA. Typical specifications to ask for are generator power and focal spot sizes.

A collimator with adjustable shutters shapes the beam, and some include a rotating iris or a virtual collimation function. A laser localiser projects a line or cross to show beam centre without exposure. The PLX C22 has bilateral laser positioning, and the Arcovis DRF-C a dual laser localiser.

Detector or image intensifier

The detector is the receptor on the opposite side to the tube. It is either an image intensifier with a camera or a flat panel detector that outputs digital data directly. Handle the detector with care and protect the front cover from impact; damage is expensive. Protective covers or drapes are placed on the detector during surgery.

Detector size is a key specification, for example 21 × 21 cm or 30 × 30 cm on the Arcovis family, or 9 or 12 inch on the PLX C22. For a comparison, see image intensifier vs flat panel.

Monitor cart and workstation

The monitor cart is a separate wheeled unit that carries one or two monitors, the image processor, storage and connectivity. It is linked to the C-arm by a cable or by a wireless link in some models. The workstation records patient data, stores images, applies measurements and sends studies to PACS by DICOM.

Check cable connectors for wear and keep the cart ventilated. The Arcovis DRF-C has an onboard 27″ monitor (optionally 4K high-brightness), while the PLX C22 includes a touchscreen HD display.

Control panel and footswitch

The control panel, on the C-arm or on the cart, is where the operator selects patient type, mode, kV and mA or automatic modes, pulse rate and image functions. Modern panels are touchscreens; the Arcovis family uses a 13″ multi-touch panel, for instance. Login can be by password or card; the Arcovis DRF-C uses NFC login.

The footswitch or handswitch starts and stops X-rays. A footswitch can have two pedals for fluoroscopy and image capture. On the Arcovis DRF-C six fluoroscopy modes are selectable from the pedal. Test the switch at every start-up, and replace worn cables.

• Control panel: modes, kV/mA, pulse rate, image tools
• Footswitch: start and stop exposure, select mode
• Emergency stop: cuts power to the exposure
• Brakes: lock the arm and the wheels
• Laser localiser: centres the beam without exposure

Base, power and safety

The wheeled base carries the generator, the batteries or power supply and, in some machines, a battery for short moves; the PLX C2119 offers 10 minutes of standby power for moving between ORs. The mains cable should be inspected and stored without sharp bends. The emergency stop button, exposure indicator light and audible signal should work at every start.

For a service plan and spare parts across these components, see C-arm maintenance and quality control or request a consultation from Beckfinity via the contact page.