By Jennifer Edwards, CGHSF Coordinator

The Siemens Arcadis Varic C-Arm is a mobile x-ray system designed for use in surgery, trauma situations, as well as ambulatory patient care. The C-Arm offers a wider application spectrum then the older c-arm, which now provides staff with the capability of digital radiography, fluoroscopy, pulsed fluoroscopy as well as the capability of performing subtraction/roadmap.

The C-arm is used for a wide variety of clinical procedures such as visualization of bones, surgical nail implants, and other fluoroscopic techniques. The Siemens Arcadis is a very user friendly piece of equipment for the technologists and it provides high quality digital images for surgeons and our reporting radiologists.

This particular machine allows for easy transfer of digital images directly to the PACS system, for archiving and immediate visualization of the images from other hospital sites. The new C-arm comes equipped with step up safety features, battery backup, it is more compact in size, with more advanced features and improved images.

The total cost of this equipment was approximately $166,500; money for this essential piece of equipment was raised during CGHSF’s 2008 fundraisers, including the annual Christmas Light for Life campaign, the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon, the 2008 CGHSF golf tournament and through the Foundation’s 2008 Silent Auction, as well as through many other general donations, including those made in memory of loved ones.

Photo credit: Lori Ledingham for The Standard

Pictured with the NEW Siemens Arcadis Varic C-Arm in the x-ray
department at Centre Grey Hospital in Markdale are (L-R):
Jentry Kostal & Kelly Marshall, X-ray Technologists, Jennifer Edwards, CGHSF Coordinator and Donna Hutton, Chair of Centre Grey Health Services Foundation.