What’s Up With The Global C-Arms Market?

An Introduction

C-arms are imaging devices that are based on the conventional X-ray technology. The name is derived from the arm which connects the X-ray source to the X-ray detector, and is shaped like a C. These devices are basically fluoroscopy machines generally called as image intensifiers. The fluoroscopy technology helps in providing real-time, high resolution X-ray images to enable surgeons to make critical and time-intensive decisions during the procedure. These devices are primarily used during surgical, orthopedic, cardiovascular, neurological, and emergency care. Being non-invasive, it is safe both during and after the screening procedure.

What Are Its Components?

C-arms have radiographic capabilities, but their major use is for fluoroscopic intraoperative imaging during orthopedic, surgical and emergency care procedures. The general components include the workstation unit, X-ray generators and imaging system. The X-ray generator is the device that produces the X-rays. Along with the detector, it finds use in a number of critical applications such as electronic assembly inspection, X-ray fluorescence, and most importantly, medicine. In the C-arm setup, it is located inside the frame where the arm is mounted, and can be controlled directly by the workstation unit, even offering the provision of modifying system operation in real-time.

The workstation unit controls the complete device operation. It has a number of handles that ensure movement and positioning, as well as switches that monitor the power supply, among many other operations. The imaging system can perform multiple movements during a single procedure, this being a much-needed function in critical procedures such as ortho, urology & cardiology. Another advantage of the system is that it is very compact and light-weight.

Currently, there is a growing replacement of image intensifiers on mobile C-Arm systems with flat panel detectors (FPD), which offer various advantages such as improved image quality, lower patient dose, and no image quality deterioration. Technological advancements are expected to improve the product’s capabilities, hence, resulting in novel clinical applications. Certain features such as immediate responsiveness, precise control, and patient safety have made these devices a vital tool in advanced healthcare delivery.

Mobile C-Arms Expected To Show Highest Growth

The global market is classified into fixed and mobile C-Arms, with the former being used in a dedicated screening room, with the latter finding application in operating theatres. The mobile segment is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate as they offer higher image quality at a lower radiation dose in various clinical applications. This system enables visualization of kidney drainage, percutaneous valve replacements, abdominal & thoracic aortic aneurysm repairs, cardiac, & vascular surgeries and is used in orthopedics, gastroenterology, pain management, and neurology procedures. Smaller ‘mini’ mobile C-Arms have also found use in hospitals and clinics, and are mainly used to image extremities.

These devices perform exceptionally on both versatility and effectiveness terms. Use of digital FPD has resulted in production of high quality images, without the risk of patient exposure to radiation. In the orthopedic scenario, the 3D C-arm CT-like imaging helps to avoid repeated surgeries by enabling intraoperative revisions and evaluation. These devices have come a long way in terms of cooling technology, with advanced setup helping in achieving longer and better operating capabilities. They are also used during anesthesia, in order to guide the needle while injecting the anesthetic medicines.

Various factors have contributed to the growth of the C-arm market, primary among them being:

• They offer tailored imaging solutions catering to a range of clinical applications, while also providing higher flexibility in choosing the navigation system.

• Mobile C-arms offer better maneuverability and precision, and if needed, can provide immediate hard copy of images, which has increased their market attractiveness.

• The recent health trends have necessitated their use, as there has been a continuous rise in vascular diseases such as enlarged prostates and hypertension, which creates favorable conditions for the adoption of C-arms in healthcare sector.

• Much improved accuracy owing to 3D visualization has helped to shape the understanding and opinion of healthcare professionals in a better manner, which has again contributed to market growth.

• Growth in the geriatric position, increasing cases of orthopedic injuries and growing investment in this sector in the emerging economies of Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East is again a factor contributing to market growth.

In The News….

The market is consolidated with only a few top companies occupying lion’s share in the market. Players are investing heavily in R&D to expand their product offerings in order to maintain a competitive advantage over others. Some of the top companies operating in this market are GE Healthcare; Philips Healthcare; Siemens AG; Hologic Corporation; Shimadzu Corporation; Toshiba Medical Systems; Ziehm Imaging; OrthoScan, Inc.; Hitachi Medical Systems; and Eurocolumbus Srl.

• In January 2020, Philips Healthcare announced two innovations to its Zenition mobile C-arm platform: a new Table Side UI, and an extension integrating IVUS (intravascular ultrasound). The system, with these updated features, will be made available in the second quarter of 2020.

• In January 2020, Trivitron launched a number of products in the Advanced Imaging modalities and Critical Care & Life Support segment, which includes the Elite – Flat Panel Digital C-arm with motorized movements. The system has a number of clinical applications in the fields of Cardiovascular, Interventional Radiology, Orthopedics and Urology.

• In October 2019, Turner Imaging Systems announced that they had received FDA approval for its Smart-C mini C-arm portable fluoroscopy and X-ray imaging device. The device, which weighs only 16 pounds, was displayed at MEDICA, the world’s biggest medical exhibition, in November.

• In July 2019, the FDA granted clearance to the ControlRad Trace by ControlRad, which can be integrated into mobile C-arms so as to minimize the radiation during any fluoroscopic imaging procedure.

  In-depth report on global fixed and mobile C-arms market by Grand View Research:

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/fixed-mobile-c-arms-market