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Intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging for orthopedic operations has become standard procedure in hospitals and surgical centers. It is commonplace for surgeons to invert the C-arm in order to use the image intensifier as an extension of the operating table. This facilitates real-time imaging of pin placement for trauma and reconstructive procedures. 

Unfortunately, the image intensifier is only protected by the sterile surgical drape. If a K-wire or Steinman pin accidentally penetrates the image intensifier, costly equipment repair may be required. 

C-arm Caps were devised as a simple solution to avert such problems. Additionally, the C-arm cap has no effect upon the radiation exposure or the quality of the images.

Set-up and use

Setting up the C-arm Cap is quick and easy. Simply follow these two steps:

1. Invert the C-arm and remove the laser light attachment.

2. Place the C-arm Cap on the image intensifier and hand-tighten the 4 knobs.

For intraoperative use, cover the C-arm with a surgical drape.

The C-arm Cap can be cleaned by wiping the surface with warm, soapy water or disinfectant (do not autoclave).

durability

A stress test was performed to demonstrate that even an inattentive surgeon would have difficulty penetrating the C-arm Cap, resulting in damage to the image intensifier.

Left: Intentional vertical (perpendicular) drilling into the C-arm Cap with a .062 Kirshner wire.
Right: After 20 seconds of persistent effort, a 1 mm deep scratch resulted.

The C-arm Cap is not a medical treatment device. It does not affect the x-ray dosage, nor does it compromise the image clarity.