By Jennifer Edwards, CGHSF Coordinator

The main item on the 2008 current needs equipment list is the Mobile Digital C-Arm, which will cost approximately $166,500.

A C-Arm is an x-ray image intensifier that is used in the hospital operating room. It is a highly complex piece of equipment that can produce a ‘live’ image feed which is displayed on a TV screen. At Centre Grey hospital in Markdale, the C-arm is used in the operating room for orthopedic cases. This essential piece of equipment is used for re-constructive orthopaedic surgeries to ensure that bones are properly aligned before the supporting hardware is attached. A new C-Arm would provide numerous advantages to hospital staff and patients.

The C-Arm has the ability to provide surgeons with a live video image from the C-Arm fluoroscope. The imaging chain on the new C-Arm is significantly improved and provides much clearer images for surgeons to view while doing their work. Another important advantage that the new C-Arm would provide is the capability to download images to the PACS system for distribution across the entire hospital network. The new C-Arm model is much lighter, more mobile and can be adjusted more easily which will make the hospital OR staff’s work easier to do.

Pictured is Jentry Kostal, X-Ray Technologist, with the old C-Arm at Centre Grey Hospital in Markdale.