by
Barbara Kram, Editor | December 13, 2006
RIS has found a niche
in remanufactured C-ARMs
Radiological Imaging Services (RIS) provides a wide range of new and pre-owned equipment, along with imaging equipment services. They sell everything from leaded aprons to full blown x-ray rooms. Radiological fluoroscope is a particular specialty, and the company has developed a market for OEC C-ARMs remanufactured at its Hamburg, Pa. facility. The equipment is only about a quarter of the price of new machines.
C-ARMs serve a number of critical medical applications from research and laboratory to human and veterinary medicine.
“When we provided C-ARMs for a recent lab for veterinarians they all said they would love to have one in their office,” said Pamela Weaver, sales and marketing. “To put in continuous fluoro and a fluoroscopy room can cost from $100,000 to $350,000. But these C-ARMs, which are mobile, are about $40,000 to $80,000.”
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RIS has installed C-ARMs in 38 states. Most states don’t require additional leading in the walls. And the C-shaped x-ray tube can be turned in any direction for continuous views.
“We’re selling C-ARMs at a fraction of the price and it’s great because clinicians can have their cake and eat it too. They can have their x-ray, their fluoro. It can be mobile. They don’t have to remodel with leaded walls. So the news about C-ARMs is picking up as more people want them.” The company actually has a waiting list for certain models.
One important note is that C-ARM images are only as large as the image intensifier -- yielding a circular image 9 or 12 inches in diameter. Although you can’t do a chest x-ray, it’s perfect for many applications such as joint work, injections or stenting. And the price is right.
“A lot of people who do have x-ray want to upgrade to CR — computerized radiography and DR — digital radiography. They’re finding that it’s a great thought but $150,000 later they can’t afford it. So the C-ARMs are really making a niche. The pain management centers love them because they fluoro the patient and see exactly where they’re injecting. It’s the next best thing you can do to fully upgrading to all your digital stuff right now,” Weaver said.
