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Take 6: More Deets on the C-Arm

The C-Arm offers a variety of control panel options, all of the which the tech should be familiar with.  Depending on the type of C-Arm unit, the control panel may be on an (un)attached remote control, on the mobile unit itself, or perhaps on the monitor cart and may consist of five categories: orientation, collimation, contrast, generator and workstation (ASRT, 2010).  Check out the list below for a brief description of each of the operation modes!
  • Magnification mode: This mode allows the image to be magnified at any time
  • Pulse Mode: This mode reduces dose by creating an x-ray beam that pulsates at times increments resulting in a significant reduction of patient dose.
  • Digital Spot Mode (Snapshot): This activates a digital spot resulting in an improved computer- enhanced image as compared with a half fluoro image.
  • Auto/ Manual Exposure Control: This simply means that exposure can be made manually by the operator or automatically by the use of an AEC.
  • Subtraction: This is a technique in which an initial image is recorded during continuous fluoroscopy, and this image is then used as a filter for each of the following images meaning that the C-Arm will subtract the initial image form all the other images produced. This technique is sometimes used for operative cholangiography.  
  • Road-Mapping: Similarly to subtraction, this control will remove stationary structures from images; however, the difference is that a specific fluoro-image is held on the screen in combination with continuous fluoro.  
  • Foot Pedal: This allows for hands- free operation of the C-Arm.  Some physicians prefer to be in control of the unit and exposure being made so this nifty gadget allows for them to have the control.  Gotta be careful not to let them get carried away with the fluoro though!


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