Mobile 3D C-Arm Takes Intraoperative Imaging to a New Level

For the first time in Europe and under the theme of “R3DEFINED IMAGING,” Ziehm Imaging (Nuremberg, Germany), a company that specializes in the development, manufacturing and worldwide marketing of mobile X-ray-based imaging solutions, showcased their new 3-D C-arm. Called the Ziehm Vision RFD 3D, this X-ray imaging device is their solution to 3-D imaging on a mobile platform.

Axel Kouril, who is Head of Marketing Communications at Ziehm Imaging spoke to MII about their latest C-arm innovation. “It’s a system that combines the capabilities of a mobile C-arm with intraoperative 3-D imaging,” he explained. “It is also the world’s only 3-D C-arm with a 30 cm x 30 cm flat-panel technology that provides a 16-cm edge length per scan volume. This enables imaging of up to seven vertebrae bodies in only one volume.”

It excels in providing the maximum intraoperative control in orthopedics, traumatology and spinal surgery, for example. Ziehm Imaging now brings iterative reconstruction techniques, so far only seen in CT imaging, to a mobile 3D C-arm. The in-house developed, specialized algorithm ZIR (Ziehm Iterative Reconstruction) minimizes fan and metal artifacts in 3D reconstructions.

The result is a significantly more distinguishable anatomy, defined bone crests and optimum slice views in the coronal, axial, sagittal and individually adjustable planes. The surgeon benefits from outstanding CT-like images, and the patient from successful surgical procedures, Mr. Kouril pointed out.

Asked what was so unique about the system, Mr. Kouril said Ziehm Imaging is unique in having 2-D and 3-D on one platform. “This system is capable of performing in multiple 2-D imaging applications or with the push of a button it can switch to 3-D imaging.”

Mr. Kouril added, “SmartScan, the new and patented scanning technique offers 180° image information of any anatomical structure. This provides complete 3-D information of the patient’s anatomy and enables the visualization of even the finest anatomical details intraoperatively.”

Other features include superior image quality in 2-D and 3-D thanks to the powerful 25 kW generator and the flat-panel detector technology. “Together with the liquid cooling system ‘Advanced Active Cooling’ the system supports a variety of clinical applications,” remarked Mr. Kouril.

“It’s the perfect tool for the surgeon to provide the information to make a decision on whether the position of the implant or screws is set correctly,” continued Mr Kouril. “Post-operative CT scans may not be needed anymore, as the result of the operation being evaluated intraoperatively in the theatre, so if any alteration is needed then it can be made there and then.”

At ECR 2015, Ziehm Imaging also presented a complete mobile Hybrid Room solution with the Ziehm Vision RFD Hybrid Edition.
Combined with a table, fully motorized movements, external monitors and contrast media injector, the surgeon create his own mobile Hybrid OR.

The Ziehm Vision RFD 3D is not cleared for sale in the US.

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