Tag Archive for: C-Arm technology

The History of DRTECH and the Innovation of the Flat Panel Detector

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Since 2000, DRTECH has been at the forefront of diagnostic imaging , empowering healthcare providers worldwide. As the global leader in flat panel detector (FPD) technology, DRTECH offers both indirect and direct detectors. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in the enhancements made to meet the diverse needs of medical professionals.

How DRTECH Came To Be

The development of flat panel detectors in Korea marked the beginning of DRTECH’s success.

In 2005, DRTECH became the first Korean medical imaging company to create a direct-type flat panel detector, ranking fifth in the world in developing this technology. That same year, DRTECH established its first strategic partnership with Hologic, aiming to bring innovative solutions to women’s health around the globe. DRTECH’s flat panel detectors are crucial tools for mammography, delivering clear images for faster, more accurate diagnoses. 

Early in its journey, DRTECH was also recognized as a Star Company in Seongnam-si and received several prestigious honors: the Export Tower Award for reaching $10 million in exports, the IR52 Jang Young-sil Award for its digital X-ray detector, and the Great Design Product Award from the Ministry of Trade. The company also obtained certification as an Outstanding Human Resource Development Agency.

DRTECH Leads with Innovation

As technology advanced, DRTECH took the initiative to become a top-tier manufacturer by continuously improving its technology. It remains the only company globally to supply both direct and indirect detectors, highlighting its innovation-driven strategy.

In 2015, it established the DRTECH USA Service Center to bring its innovations overseas and build relationships with U.S. manufacturers. The company continued its forward momentum, launching the world’s first digital mammography retrofit detector. DRTECH also released an indirect-type detector for general radiography. These innovations enabled significant international channel expansion. 

As its network grew, DRTECH opened offices around the world, including in Shanghai, Japan, China, Vietnam, Europe, and North America. When DRTECH expanded into the U.S. market, ImagPros became the exclusive distributor for the EXTRON 5  Premium FPD C-arm. This partnership began in 2023, coinciding with the launch of the EXTRON Premium. 

Leading the Future of Medical Imaging

From 2016 to the present, DRTECH has continued to enhance the quality of its imaging solutions and has become a top-ranking competitor in the X-ray field. The EXTRON 5 Premium C-arm represents the company’s latest innovation, designed for specialists in pain management, vascular procedures, orthopedics, regenerative medicine, urology, and surgical centers. This high-resolution, low dose C-arm provides physicians with both precision and safety during procedures.

Since its inception, DRTECH has consistently redefined what is possible in diagnostic imaging. Through strategic partnerships, award-winning innovations, and a steadfast commitment to quality, DRTECH has earned its reputation as a trusted name in medical imaging. Its global network continues to grow, supporting healthcare professionals worldwide in delivering exceptional patient care.

Contact ImagPros today to learn more about our C-arms!

Refurbished C-Arm Cost: How Old Is Too Old When Buying Used?

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What if you could cut costs without sacrificing reliability? Well, you can. The answer is the refurbished C-Arms. The balance between ensuring performance and managing the C-Arm cost is challenging, but trusted providers like ImagPros ensure that refurbished systems deliver quality and compliance you can trust whether you purchase a 5 or 15-year old C-Arm. 

The Vital Role of C-Arms in Modern Healthcare

The C-Arm has become an essential tool in medical imaging, offering unmatched precision and flexibility. Its ability to deliver live, real-time imaging makes it indispensable for a wide range of procedures, including orthopedic surgeries, pain management, cardiovascular imaging, and more. With continuous technological advancements, C-Arms enhance surgical outcomes by increasing accuracy and reducing procedure times. This improves patient safety and boosts operational efficiency for healthcare providers. Whether investing in a new or refurbished system, a reliable C-Arm can significantly elevate the quality of care.

Key Features of C-Arms

New C-Arms

New C-Arms have cutting-edge flat panel detectors that deliver exceptional image clarity, making them ideal for high-precision orthopedics, cardiology, and surgery procedures. They often integrate seamlessly with AI-powered imaging systems, providing real-time analysis and automated adjustments to improve diagnostic accuracy. These systems also prioritize user convenience, featuring intuitive touchscreen controls, advanced mobility for flexible use in clinical settings, and reduced radiation exposure for improved safety.

Refurbished C-Arms

Refurbished C-Arms offer a cost-effective solution for healthcare facilities without compromising on performance. Thoroughly restored and upgraded to meet current standards, these systems include reliable image intensifiers that ensure consistent image quality. Enhanced with updated software and hardware, refurbished models are well-suited for a variety of procedures, such as pain management, urology, and vascular surgery. They provide high functionality comparable to new systems but at a fraction of the cost.

Choosing the Right C-Arm

Understanding the distinct features and benefits of new versus refurbished C-Arms is crucial for making informed decisions. Both options allow you to optimize your healthcare investments while maintaining a high standard of patient care. 

For more information on how C-Arms can transform your medical practice, contact ImagPros today.

Understanding the Refurbishing Process 

Refurbished C-Arms aren’t just cleaned and resold. The process is a meticulous series of inspections and upgrades designed to restore systems to near-new condition. Here’s an overview of what happens during refurbishment, as practiced by reputable providers like ImagPros: 

  • Inspection & Decontamination: Each system undergoes a full review for wear, functionality, and potential damage. Following this, all parts are rigorously decontaminated with antimicrobial cleaners, ensuring the equipment meets strict hygiene standards. 
  • Part Replacement & Repairs: Components that fail to meet OEM specifications are repaired or replaced. This includes batteries, power supplies, cables, monitors, and structural elements like locking fixtures and brakes. 
  • Calibration for Precision: Settings such as collimators, image intensifiers, and beam alignment are fully calibrated to ensure imaging accuracy and performance reliability. 
  • Thorough Testing & Quality Control: The system is tested under real-world conditions and checked against state-specific compliance requirements. Only after passing these tests is it approved for resale. 

By the end of this process, the refurbished system is as close to new as possible while being significantly more affordable. 

refurbished c-armWhy Refurbished C-Arms Often Focus on OEC 

OEC C-Arms are one of the most commonly refurbished systems due to their reputation for durability, reliability, and performance. Known for their high-quality image intensifiers and precise fluoroscopic capabilities, OEC systems remain a favorite among medical facilities worldwide. Their robust build and modular design make them ideal candidates for refurbishment, as they can be easily repaired, upgraded, and recalibrated to meet modern standards. 

Additionally, OEC systems have widespread availability of replacement parts, making the refurbishment process more efficient while ensuring long-term serviceability. When refurbished, OEC C-Arms maintain their impressive imaging quality and diagnostic accuracy, offering a like-new experience at a fraction of the cost. These factors make OEC systems a go-to choice for refurbishers and buyers alike. 

Meeting Industry Standards and Regulatory Requirements 

A common concern when buying used or refurbished equipment is whether it meets industry standards. All refurbished C-Arms from trusted providers like ImagPros comply with FDA, ISO, and CE regulations, ensuring they are safe, reliable, and legally approved. 

Compliance with these standards protects patient safety and your practice. By adhering to these requirements, you meet legal obligations and build patient trust in your services. 

Warranty, Service Support, and Reliability 

One key factor when purchasing medical equipment is the post-purchase support offered. Reputable refurbishers like ImagPros provide a comprehensive warranty covering parts and services for each unit. Buyers also gain access to dedicated service teams ready to assist with maintenance and repairs, ensuring minimal downtime for your operations. 

Reliable warranties and service packages ensure that buying refurbished doesn’t compromise peace of mind. These safeguards often rival and sometimes even exceed those offered with new units. 

Technology Upgrades and Performance 

Refurbished C-Arms are not outdated relics—they often feature upgraded technology that keeps them competitive with newer models. Older systems can be retrofitted with modern software and hardware enhancements, such as improved imaging algorithms or flat screen monitors.

These upgrades ensure your refurbished system matches current standards and typically delivers the same level of diagnostic accuracy as a brand-new unit without the hefty price tag. 

For comparison, OEC C-Arms, known for their reliability and versatility, are commonly refurbished. Features like their high-quality image intensifiers and precise fluoroscopic capabilities are preserved and often enhanced for long-term use through quality refurbishing. 

The Cost Advantage of Used and Refurbished C-Arms 

When balancing finances and equipment quality, refurbished systems are hard to beat. Refurbished options offer significant cost savings compared to buying new units—upfront and operational costs. 

While the exact C-Arm cost will vary depending on the brand, model, and refurbished, facilities can often save anywhere from 30% to 50% of the price of a new unit. These savings can be crucial for practices operating with tight budgets or prioritizing financial flexibility. 

Savings don’t stop at the initial purchase. With warranties and modern upgrades, operational expenses remain predictable, while performance remains dependable.

Maximize Results with ImagPros 

Investing in a refurbished C-Arm is not just a budget-friendly choice—it’s a smart business decision when reliability is ensured. So, the question isn’t “how old is too old? Instead, it’s “Who is handling the refurbishment process? 

ImagPros specializes in helping healthcare facilities access high-quality refurbished medical imaging equipment that complies with industry standards and delivers trusted performance. Ask us about our wide selection of C-Arms that range in age and capability, today! 

Our expertise, from detailed refurbishing processes to reliable warranties and cost efficiencies, ensures you find the right solution for your practice. 

Contact ImagPros today to explore our refurbished C-Arms and learn more about how these systems can provide quality and value for your healthcare facility. 

Transforming Medical Diagnostics with Flat Panel Detector C-Arms

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Medical imaging is undergoing a revolution. With Flat Panel Detector C-Arms, the future holds promise for unprecedented clarity and efficiency in diagnostics. These technological advancements will redefine how healthcare professionals approach diagnostics, promising a future where precision and speed are paramount.

Understanding the Shift: Flat Detector C-Arm Technology 

Flat Detector C-Arms (FPD C-Arms) are transforming the medical imaging landscape. Unlike traditional C-Arms, which use image intensifiers, FPD C-Arms employ flat-panel detectors. This ongoing shift results in improved image quality, reduced radiation exposure, and increased flexibility in capturing detailed anatomical structures. 

The Evolution from Traditional C-Arms to Flat Detector C-Arms 

While traditional C-Arms have served the medical community well, their limitations are becoming increasingly apparent. FPD C-Arms offer superior spatial resolution and dynamic range. As the transition from analog to digital imaging continues, the medical community increasingly captures every detail more accurately, facilitating better diagnostic decisions and positioning FPD C-Arms to become the standard of care. 

Primary Applications and Benefits Over Traditional Systems 

FPD C-Arms are versatile and are being adopted across various medical specializations, including orthopedics, cardiology, and vascular interventions. They provide significant benefits, such as lower radiation doses, enhanced image clarity, and faster processing times, making them essential tools in routine and complex procedures and setting the stage to become the preferred choice in medical imaging.

Flat Detector C-ArmFuture Innovations with FPD C-Arms

The field of medical imaging is continually evolving, and FPD C-Arms are at the forefront of this evolution. Innovations in AI, machine learning, and real-time imaging will further enhance these devices’ capabilities.

Current Advancements and Their Implications

Current advancements include AI-driven image analysis, which aids in quicker and more accurate diagnosis. Improvements in detector sensitivity and image processing algorithms mean that FPD C-Arms can now capture images in previously challenging conditions, such as in patients with high body mass index (BMI).

Predictions for the Future of Imaging with FPD C-Arms

Future innovations will likely focus on integrating FPD C-Arms with other diagnostic tools, creating a seamless imaging ecosystem. Real-time data sharing between devices could enable instantaneous feedback during surgical procedures, enhancing outcomes and reducing procedure times.

The Role of Imaging Professionals in Driving These Innovations

Imaging professionals play a crucial role in adopting and optimizing these technologies. By leveraging their expertise, they implement and continually refine advancements to meet the dynamic needs of medical diagnostics.

Impact on Medical Diagnostics

FPD C-Arms will shift the landscape of medical diagnostics by enhancing accuracy, speed, and patient outcomes. Their impact is already being felt in various medical fields.

Enhancing Accuracy and Speed in Diagnostics

The high-resolution images provided by FPD C-Arms allow for more precise diagnostics. This reduces the likelihood of misdiagnosis and ensures that treatment plans are based on the most accurate data. Faster imaging also means that patients spend less time under radiation.

Real-World Cases of Improved Patient Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness

In real-world scenarios, FPD C-Arms have significantly enhanced patient outcomes. For example, detailed imaging helps surgeons make precise incisions in orthopedic surgeries, reducing recovery times and improving surgical success rates. The efficiency gained from quicker diagnostics translates to cost savings for medical facilities.

Potential for Integrating FPD C-Arms in Various Medical Specializations

The versatility of FPD C-Arms makes them suitable for a wide range of medical specializations. From pain management, orthopedic to neurology, these devices are indispensable in providing high-quality care.

The Competitive Edge with ImagPros

ImagPros commits to pushing the boundaries of medical imaging. ImagPros sells FPD C-Arms with the latest technology, ensuring healthcare providers can access the best tools available.

Commitment to Innovation and Quality

Innovation and quality are steadfast commitments for ImagPros. Its new and refurbished FPD C-Arms incorporate innovative technology, ensuring medical professionals can perform their duties precisely and confidently.

Features and Support That Differentiate ImagPros’ FPD C-Arms

ImagPros’ FPD C-Arms features advanced noise reduction, low-dose radiation technology, and user-friendly interfaces. Their customer support is unparalleled, providing training and ongoing help to ensure users can fully leverage their equipment’s capabilities.

Explore the Future of Imaging Technology

In summary, the future of medical diagnostics is bright, with FPD C-Arms leading the way. These devices offer unparalleled accuracy, speed, and efficiency, making them an essential tool for any modern medical facility.

Discover how ImagPros can help you elevate your imaging capabilities. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and explore our range of FPD C-Arms designed to meet your needs.

Power of the GE C-Arm: Meet the GE OEC 9900

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In medical imaging, it’s crucial to have equipment that offers precision, clarity, and ease of use. Among the plethora of choices available, one GE C-Arm model stands out – the GE OEC 9900. This blog post will explore this exceptional system’s standard machine and its newer, Elite model’s features, specifications, purchasing considerations, and refurbishment process. 

GE OEC 9900 Elite Features

At ImagPros, we marry professional excellence with genuine care to provide unmatched medical imaging solutions. One top option is the latest edition to the GE C-Arm imaging fleet, the OEC 9900 Elite:

  • Standard C Model: This model is your reliable partner for comprehensive imaging. It offers a 25° overscan and 90° underscan capability, along with versatile SmartView flip-flop viewing. Its user-friendly design is a testament to our understanding of your needs.
  • Super C Model: When you need meticulous detail, turn to the Super C Model. Featuring 55 degrees of overscan and an arc depth extending to 33 inches—larger than that of a standard C-Arm – its advanced image capture technology and a 9″ provide an expansive field of view and enhanced clarity. The Super C is a true reflection of our dedication to precision.

 

Key Features Across Models:

  • Comprehensive Imaging: The Super C model offers extensive overscan and underscan capabilities, ensuring meticulous detail capture at any angle.
  • Flexible Viewing: The SmartView pivot joint features allow for minimizing the need for repeated exposures when doing true lateral position imaging.
  • User Comfort: All models prioritize operator ease with low lateral height design and reduced steering force.
  • Enhanced Clarity: The Super C model’s 9″ detector and the versatile detector options in the Standard C model promise detailed images.
  • Intuitive Navigation: The OEC Touch Screen model features a mobile control panel for easy navigation.
  • Customizable Use: The adjustable height and display tilt in the OEC Touch Tableside model cater to individual preferences.

The Tried and True: GE OEC 9900 C-Arm

In the realm of medical imaging, precision is paramount. The GE OEC 9900 C-Arm is a stalwart in this field. Despite being an older model, it has earned a reputation for unwavering reliability and exceptional performance. It is a trusted choice among healthcare professionals with cutting-edge technology and a user-friendly design.

Let’s explore the key features that make this GE C-Arm a trusted ally in medical imaging:

  • Exceptional Imagery: The GE OEC 9900 C-Arm offers extensive high-resolution imaging, ensuring meticulous detail capture with its 1k x 1k imaging technology.
  • User Convenience: This model simplifies operation with a dual control mainframe and an easy-to-use interface.
  • Superior Image Quality: The Dynamic Range Management (DRM) technology promises detailed and uncompromised images.
  • Intuitive Interface: The model features preset imaging profiles and a touch screen, making navigation easy.
  • Customizable Use: With its deep arch, unique X-Ray tube, cooling system, and battery buffer technology, the GE OEC 9900 C-Arm caters to individual preferences and versatile usage.
  • Efficient Operation: The unit’s 100 times more image computing power than previous C-arms in this series guarantees efficient operation.

Contact us today at 248-951-9020 to learn more about buying a GE C-Arm!

Investing in a OEC 9900 C-Arm is a significant commitment, with prices ranging from $80,000 to $120,000. The 5-year cost of ownership, including maintenance, service contracts, and upgrades, should also be factored in. Setup costs are generally included, but it’s important to understand the extent of coverage to avoid unexpected expenses. 

Choose this fully refurbished unit with a solid 7-10-year lifespan. 

GE OEC 9900

The Refurbishing Process

When it comes to the refurbishment of a GE OEC 9900 C-Arm, we take immense pride in our meticulous process. We understand the importance of this equipment in your medical practice, so we ensure every refurbished piece is as good as new. Here’s an in-depth look at our systematic refurbishing journey.

1. Initial Inspection and Decontamination

Refurbishment begins with a comprehensive system inspection to detect early damage or malfunctions. The C-Arm is then moved to our specialized decontamination station for thorough cleaning and disinfection using an antimicrobial cleaner. We carefully remove dried blood-borne pathogens from the panels, ensuring complete cleanliness before refurbishment.

2. Documentation and Prioritization

After the decontamination, we document all necessary information about the system, including its date of manufacture, serial number, arrival date, and source. We then uploaded the system onto our CRM. Our operations team designates an order and prioritizes the system based on various factors like demand, urgency, and complexity.

3. Disassembly and Parts Replacement

Afterward, we carefully disassemble the system down to its frame. Our dedicated paint department meticulously sands the panels before applying a fresh coat of top-notch medical-grade paint. Our skilled engineers diligently replace any necessary parts, meticulously inspect all cable assemblies, and rigorously test power supplies. Any components that do not meet OEM specifications are promptly replaced to ensure optimal performance.

4. Calibration and Testing

Once the parts replacement is complete, we begin the calibration process. Every detail is thoroughly checked, from adjusting monitor alignment, brightness, and contrast to conducting an arc test and checking camera alignment. We erase all patient information from the system, adhering strictly to HIPAA compliance.

5. Quality Control and Documentation

After a rigorous testing phase, we reassemble the machine and conduct quality control. This includes inspecting the system’s cosmetics, verifying software and accessories, and reviewing the refurbishment log. A third-party physicist inspects the equipment to ensure it meets state guidelines.

Finally, we document the entire process, including taking pictures of the system for customer documentation packets and uploading these details into our CRM.

Final Thoughts

The OEC 9900 Elite GE C-Arm is one of the most popular and powerful tools that offer exceptional clarity, precision, and ease of use. Its advanced features and specifications, long lifespan, and comprehensive service coverage make it a valuable investment for any healthcare professional. Whether you’re purchasing a new or refurbished system, this guide has provided the information needed to make an informed decision.

Contact us at Imagpros today to learn more about buying a CE C-Arm!

The Current State of the C-Arm Market

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The C-Arm X-Ray market is continuously developing, driven by technological advancements and shifting industry dynamics. As a trusted provider in this space, ImagPros has been closely monitoring these developments to provide our clients with groundbreaking solutions.

Addressing Physician and Radiologist Shortages

Imaging manufacturers are developing new C-Arm technology in response to physician and radiologist shortages. Over 80% of health systems are reporting shortages in their radiology departments. This staffing issue is likely to continue for the next decade, creating even more significant challenges for many hospitals. 

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges’ seventh annual analysis of physician supply and demand, the shortage of radiologists and other specialists could exceed 35,000 by 2034. However, these innovative solutions address these challenges and maximize efficiency while maintaining high standards of patient care. By enabling medical professionals to do more with less, these innovations play a crucial role in overcoming staffing challenges and ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services.

Pioneering Innovations from GE

Following these industry-wide efforts, GE, a leader in C-Arm X-Ray technology, is making significant strides with inventive upgrades to the OEC portfolio of C-Arms. They carefully designed these enhancements to improve precision and efficiency in trauma, general surgery, and minimally invasive procedures. For instance, the OEC 3D Volume Viewer has revolutionized the assessment process with its ability to highlight pulmonary soft tissues and measure areas from multiple perspectives, aiding in precise object measurement. 

Similarly, the OEC MiniView C-arm now boasts advanced image processing with a 4K display, significantly enhancing orthopedic extremities imaging. These innovations, showcased at the European Congress of Radiology 2023, underline GE’s commitment to continuous improvement in medical imaging—they promise a bright future for the C-Arm X-Ray market.

c-arm market

The Rising Costs in the C-Arm Market

Despite these promising developments, the C-Arm X-Ray market is grappling with increasing costs. These rising expenses, driven by the demand for enhanced imaging capabilities, underscore the need for cost-effective solutions that do not compromise quality. Fortunately, innovative companies are actively developing affordable alternatives to meet the market’s growing demands.

ImagPros’ Response to Market Changes

ImagPros successfully navigates and adapts to ever-changing market conditions. We prioritize providing our clients with the most effective and innovative solutions. To achieve this, we consistently update our offerings to incorporate the latest advancements in C-Arm technology, ensuring our clients receive the highest value and satisfaction. We strongly emphasize maintaining the highest standards of patient care, guaranteeing precise and compassionate delivery of every aspect of our services. With our commitment to excellence, you can trust ImagPros to deliver exceptional results for all your needs.

Final Thoughts 

ImagPros is your trusted provider in the ever-evolving C-Arm X-Ray market. We navigate industry changes to deliver top-tier, cost-effective solutions. 

Get in touch with us today by completing our contact form or call 248-951-9020 to discover more and become a part of this thrilling evolution!