Here are the eight orthopedic imaging devices or technologies for spine leaders to know.
Please contact Eric Oliver at eoliver@beckershealthcare.com with any questions on this list.
C-arm for Orthopedics, GE Health (Chicago). GE has three orthopedic-based variations on its popular C-arm machine: the OEC 9900 Elite Mobile C-arm, the OEC 9800 Plus Mobile C-arm and the OEC Brivo Plus. The 9800 Plus is marketed as the most widely used mobile C-arm imaging machine worldwide. The 9800 Plus has 1k by 1k high resolution imaging technology on its mobile system.
OEC Brivo Plus C-arm, GE Health. The OEC Brivo Plus is another of GE's C-arm machines. It features "eagle-eye" technology that allows for pinpoint imaging. The device also has an auto-adjustment feature which will automatically adjust an image when the anatomy is off-center. The device produces less radiation than a regular X-ray.
Arcadis Orbic 3D, Siemens (Erlangen, Germany). The Arcadis Orbic imaging machine is a C-arm machine with an isocentric design and 190 degree orbital movement. The machine offers physicians 3-D technology for use in orthopedic, trauma and spine surgery related procedures. It is one of six machines that Siemens manufactures, and the only one with 3-D technology.
Ziehm NaviPort, Ziehm Imaging (Orlando). The Ziehm NaviPort is an interface for the company's flagship C-arm device, the Ziehm Vision RFD 3D. The NaviPort interface uses high-quality image data and integrates it into the C-arm machine to create a crisper picture. The NaviPort interface obtains a quality that suits it for orthopedic, trauma and spinal procedures.
Ziehm Vision Vision RFD 3D, Ziehm Imaging. The flagship product for Ziehm, the Vision RFD 3D is the only 3-D C-arm with flat-panel technology. The device combines both 2-D and 3-D functionality to maximize ease-of-use. The RFD comes in a non-3-D version and a hybrid edition. The device is one of Ziehm's eight C-arm machines.
Brainlab Fluoro 3D C-Arm Registration, Brainlab (Westchester, Ill.). Brainlab's Fluoro 3D registration is an interface which allows for intraoperative integration of 3-D C-arms for both spine and trauma procedures. The interface allows for real-time navigation of intraoperative datasets. The interface is compatible with common 3-D C-arms like the Ziehm Vision RFD 3D.
G-Arm GXi series, Whale Imaging (Waltham, Mass.). Whale Technologies' G-Arm GXi technology allows for 270 degrees of freedom to view images from several different positions. The first edition the GXi 1 uses Whale's biplanar layout allowing images to be viewed on a biplanar view no longer requiring surgeons to shift between AP and lateral views. The GXi 2 improved on the GXi 1 by adding tracking wheels for mobility and a dual laser aiming system.
StealthStation, Medtronic (Dublin, Ireland). Medtronic's StealthStation O-arm allows surgeons to visualize the anatomy of a patient's spine while in surgery. It also allows for the tracking of instruments in relation to anatomy. When coupled with the StealthStation navigation software the technologies work together to improve workflow, while enhancing outcomes.