Reducing Risk in the Cathlab: Why Proactive C-Arm Service is Essential

In the cath lab environment, where heart and blood vessel-related procedures are performed, there’s no room for failure. One machine breakdown and your patient is at high risk. That’s what makes it key to ensure that all your healthcare machines are working efficiently, especially the C-Arm.

The C-Arm medical imaging device is the workhorse of interventional procedures. It is responsible for providing real-time images during surgical and interventional procedures. There is no doubt that proactive service plans for C-Arm are important to minimize operational risks in the cath lab. What are the key aspects to consider, and how to ensure timely servicing of your equipment?

This blog discusses the challenges to overcome and the steps to follow to keep the C-Arm up and running at all times.

Unique Maintenance Challenges of the C-Arm

Like any high-tech healthcare device, C-Arm requires occasional repair and regular servicing to capture and provide high-quality, live images during operations. Here are the key aspects of the machine to prioritise when sending it for maintenance:

• Mobility Stress

A C-Arm is a moving device that depends on wheels and a locking gear for stability. Continuous operations put stress on these components and can lead to wear and tear. Additionally, the regular movement also means tube rotation and loose external cable connections. Regular maintenance can prevent mechanical failure that often results from such mobility impact.

• Sterilization Protocols

The machine is used in a sterile environment and is exposed to blood and body fluids. Without regular cleaning, these fluids can move into the internal components and damage the C-Arm. Cleaning agents used during servicing ensure that the machine is safe from such side effects and prevent electrical failure.

• Image Quality

C-Arms are moving fluoroscopy devices, commonly used for neurological, orthopedic, and cardiovascular surgeries. The fluoroscopy provides clear images and enables surgeons to position their operating tools precisely. Without regular maintenance, the components may not work optimally, resulting in blurry or inaccurate images. It affects patient outcomes and increases risk during surgeries.

Focusing on PPM for C-Arm Longevity

Planned preventative maintenance is crucial to extend the lifespan of your surgical equipment. Below are the routine tasks that a service expert needs to carry out in order to make sure the C-Arm works perfectly fine:

• Mechanical Checks

Routine serving of gantry movement helps keep the machine properly functioning. This mechanical inspection should also involve testing whether the C-Arm is rotating in all directions easily. Also, verify if the brakes are fully functional and can immobilize the unit whenever required.

• Image Intensifier/Detector Calibration

Assessing image quality, such as brightness, contrast, and possible distortion, helps ensure that you receive high-quality live feed at all times. Additionally, recalibration of the detector according to the manufacturer’s instructions is important for smooth operations during a surgical procedure.

• Dose Output Verification

It is important to record dose outputs during every procedure to help optimise patient doses. This verification is required to maintain diagnostic reference levels and patient safety throughout the treatment. PPM involves checking if the DAP meter (dose measuring chamber) is working and showing the results on the radiation report.

Rapid CM is Critical for the Cathlab

Although planned preventative maintenance is crucial for maximum efficiency, a machine can break down unannounced. That’s when CM (corrective maintenance) ensures patient safety and operational efficiency. It provides immediate repair to prevent medical consequences. Here is how CM is crucial for a cath lab:

• Guaranteed On-Site Response Time 

Sudden downtime can cause diagnostic and treatment issues. If left untreated, they can result in patient harm and inaccurate imaging. Maintenance procedures are urgent, especially in the cath lab. The quick on-site service eliminates procedure delay and ensures patient safety.

• Availability of Common Replacement Parts

Your corrective maintenance plan should include easy replacement of spare parts. Generally, monitors, cables, tubes, and other elements can wear off or break due to consistent use. They can contribute to a high cost, if not covered by your CM. So, ensure that you always opt for a plan that keeps you prepared for the future uncertainties.

Conclusion

The C-Arm is one of the vital parts of the cathlab. A single breakdown and it can cost patient delay, hampered reputation, and financial burden. But a comprehensive PPM plan can keep your procedures running smoothly and safely at all times. So, ensure that you are following up with timely service routines to keep your machine in an optimal condition.

If you are searching for a trusted maintenance and service partner in the UAE, you can contact Ultravision Medical. We provide a complete C-Arm equipment repair and maintenance service for globally leading partners. Our advanced service approach ensures your equipment stays reliable and compliant with safety standards. Contact our service experts today.