Your Guide to Medical Imaging Equipment

Over the last few years, more and more C-arm technology has begun embracing the same trends the industry has seen in interventional labs; namely, a move from traditional image intensifiers to digital flat-panel detectors (FD). As FD options become more available, anyone considering the purchase of a C-arm is increasingly likely to be confronted with the big decision: Analog, or digital?

Below are some aspects of C-arm hardware that buyers should bear in mind when choosing between a system with an image intensifier and a system with a flat-panel detector:

Ongoing service is an important investment for any piece of medical imaging equipment, and yes, it's smart to shop around for competitive service pricing, but not all service contracts are created equal. If the price of an agreement you're considering seems too good to be true, maybe you've stumbled across the best service deal ever; or maybe some crucial aspect of coverage isn't included.

Before you sign up with a service provider, double-check their C-arm service offerings for these five important, cost-driving features.

"I'm going to let you in on a secret most imaging parts companies won't tell you: Your OEC C-arm laser aimer probably isn't broken!"

I first wrote these words almost seven years ago, and they're still true. Your laser aimer probably still works, and, unfortunately, your parts provider might sell you a new one without asking any questions, specifically one question that helps solve 75% of all laser aimer problems without repair or replacement: "Did you check the batteries?".