Radiolucent Operating Table for C-Arm and Fluoroscopy

What makes a radiolucent operating table

A radiolucent surgical table has a top, or at least the imaging section of it, made of materials that absorb little X-ray, such as carbon fibre composite. This reduces artefacts and allows lower radiation settings for a given image quality. Metal rails, hinges and frames under the imaging area create shadows, so the position of every structural element matters as much as the top material.

Ask where the radiolucent zone starts and ends, and whether it covers the full length you need for the procedures planned. A table that is radiolucent only across the torso may not serve for extremity or spinal work.

Clearance: base design and C-arm access

The C-arm must pass around and under the patient. The base of the table should therefore be slim and leave room for the arm to rotate. Smarter Practico has a low base that provides 360-degree C-arm access, and Grand Promerix has a slim base that improves C-arm access. Check the minimum height as well: a very low table may let the C-arm run under but make surgeons stoop.

Test this on site. Place the C-arm in the typical positions for your procedures, such as the lateral and oblique views, and confirm that neither the column nor the castors block its path.

Longitudinal slide and sections

A longitudinal slide moves the top relative to the column, so the area of interest can be brought into the imaging field without shifting the patient. Smarter Practico offers a 390 mm slide for X-ray and fluoroscopy access, and Grand Promerix offers a 410 mm table top shift. Scandia Prime has a sliding table top and full-length accessory rails, and interchangeable sections allow the team to choose the configuration.

Rapido has X-ray cassette rails and quick C-arm access, which helps in day surgery. Confirm whether cassette holders, if you use them, fit your table.

Radiolucent surgical table for hybrid OR and head fixation

In a hybrid OR the table must also work with the angiography system, so confirm compatibility with the imaging vendor, floor mounting and any table-integration requirement. For cranial and spinal procedures, head fixation must itself be radiolucent: the DORO LUCENT Headrest System has a completely metal-free skull clamp for intraoperative CT and X-ray imaging, with a long reach to keep the head clear, while the Pro version is optimised for iCT, X-ray and angiography. See our article on neurosurgery tables and head fixation.

For spine cases, DORO for Spine is a metal-free skull clamp for open-frame tables that is compatible with CT and angiography.

Common mistakes with imaging tables

Imaging problems are usually found late, when the table is already installed. Check these points early.

• Assuming the whole top is radiolucent when only a section is
• Forgetting the C-arm sweep path around the column and castors
• Using accessories with metal parts inside the imaging field
• Not testing the table with your own C-arm before ordering

Buying checklist

Before ordering, ask the supplier for the radiolucent zone dimensions, the load rating with the C-arm in use, the slide travel and the accessory compatibility. Check the safe working load; for example Smarter Practico lists 280 kg in all directions including slide. Our operating table buying guide and the Smarter Practico page give more detail.

Beckfinity can arrange a demonstration with your own C-arm. Request a quote or consultation.