How to Purchase a C-Arm on a Limited Budget: Consider a C-Arm Upgrade

C-Arm Usage in the Medical Industry

With all the changes occurring in the medical industry, what changes have come to c-arms? What c-arm upgrade is available for facilities to take advantage of these days?

According to a recent article published in Signify research, elective procedures and normal operations in many imaging departments were put on hold, leading to an increase in cancellation for non-critical exams.

Imaging directors, Hospital CEO’s and radiologists are under more pressure than ever to reduce funds without reducing the quality of imaging systems. Many Interventional Radiologists are predicting a spike in fluoroscopic cases in 2021 -2024 which means c-arms will need to be in good working order to meet hospital’s imaging demands.

The best strategy is to upgrade c-arms before the spike occurs.

5 Reasons to Upgrade a C-arm Instead of Purchasing a New One.

1. The Pandemic has caused hospitals to divert funds for critical care equipment to meet the demands of the crisis. Interventional, surgical, and fluoroscopic procedural volumes have plummeted, resulting in depressed demand for imaging systems. Because of this imaging department’s budgets are shrinking and purchasing new c-arms is not an option. 
2. Upgrading a c-arm can increase the life of an existing unit. The image intensifier and the x-ray tube are the only components that need to be replaced on a c-arm to take quality images. The predicted increase in fluoroscopic procedures can overtax an older c-arm which may require repairs during high volumes. Don’t wait until you need the c-arm upgrade.  Take advantage now that fluoroscopic procedures are low.
3. New c-arms may require additional training. Many companies cannot provide onsite training to cover all shifts. Therefore, imaging departments will have to pay overtime to have the staff come in early or stay late for the training. 
4. A new c-arm may interfere with clinical workflow. Therefore a software/hardware upgrade may be needed to transfer images to a hospital PAC’S system.  A new dicom unit can cost $12,000 and used one can cost $3,000. 
5. The existing cables and wiring would not need to be replaced during the upgrade thus eliminating any compatibility issues on a new c-arm.

Rest assured, upgrading, used and refurbishing does not mean “ subpar quality” or “not good as new.” You are not purchasing someone else’s problems.

In fact, upgrading a c-arm can be a cost effective way to purchase quality equipment without overpaying top dollar for a new c-arm.