EQUIPMENT GUIDE

If you can secure a 9800 or 9900 for a very low price, opt for the 9800 if possible. However, for sourcing ability and value, the GE OEC 9800 offers the best performance-to-cost ratio and is our recommended C-arm for missions. We prefer the GE OEC series because it is the most popular, with the most repair companies and parts available.

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It strikes the perfect balance between cost, performance, and reliability—not too old for age-related issues and not too new to be cost-prohibitive. It's crucial to source, calibrate, and refurbish a C-arm before deployment, ensuring it has a fresh set of batteries. Most C-arms cannot be returned, so we ensure we send a quality machine that will last.

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Like larger x-ray machines, these must be plugged in when not in use to prevent the batteries from degrading rapidly.

If your hospital has a very large budget, the 9900 can be a good option, but be aware that its parts are significantly more expensive and harder to maintain than the 9800.

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We strongly recommend upgrading any C-arm with a flat-screen LCD, as the older tube screens quickly "burn in" and reach the end of their life. Our second recommendation is the older model of the 9600, once considered the primary workhorse of hospitals. Very inexpensive or donated units are ideal, but we do not recommend spending a large budget on a 9600, as they are difficult to service compared to the 9800 and are at the end of their lifecycle.

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We are grateful for our network partners that allow us to source and repair C-arms for charitable use.

For smaller procedures, focusing on limited shoulder and knee operations, a mini C-arm is the way to go. Although retail prices can be high, we often source them at good prices due to their lack of popularity compared to full-sized OECs. The Insight II is one of the most popular mini C-arms, featuring LCD monitors, newer software, and ample service availability.

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In the coming years, we expect to see more portable C-arms entering the market. Initially, these will come with a high price tag but should decrease over time as they become more common.