Imaging Mode

• Fluoroscopy Mode

– Focal spot: 0.3 mm
– kVp range: 40 – 120 kVp
– mA range: 0.2 – 10 mA normal mode
– mA range: 1.0 – 20 mA continuous fluoro boost mode
– Auto and manual modes
– Continuous, one-shot or pulsed operation
– AutoTrack ABS varies mA, kVp and camera gain
– User specific ABS tables

• Pulsed Fluoroscopy Mode

– Focal spot: 0.3 mm
– kVp range: 40 – 120 kVp
– mA range: 0.2 – 10.0 mA
– Pulse rate: 1, 2, 4, or 8 pulses per second
– Pulse width: 25 or 50 milliseconds
– Computer controlled ABS, mA, kVp and camera gain
– Reduces X-ray dose to patient and operator

• High Level Pulsed Fluoro (optional)

– Focal spot: 0.3 mm
– kVp range: 40 – 120 kVp
– mA range: 0.2 – 40.0 mA
– Pulse rate: 1, 2, 4, or 8 pulses per second
– Pulse width: 25 or 50 milliseconds
– Computer controlled ABS, mA, kVp and camera gain

• Digital Spot Mode (optional)

– Standard with the Expanded Surgical Platform (ESP)
– Enhanced digital fluorographic oneshot with 12 mA boost
– Automatically terminates exposure and stores enhanced image to storage archival disk
– kVp range: 40 – 120 kVp
– mA range: Up to 75 mA

• Radiographic Mode

– Focal spot: 0.3 mm or 0.6 mm
– Focal spot automatically selected
– 0.3 mm – mAs range: 1 – 100 mAs
– 0.6 mm – mAs range: 110 – 300 mAs
– kVp range: 50 – 120 kVp
– Optional film cassette holder
– 10″ x 12″ (24cm x 30cm) for 9″ I.I.
– 14″ x 14″ (35cm x 35 cm) for 12″ I.I.

Acquisition & Optimization

• Video Camera

– High resolution CCD camera
– Full frame capture
– 360° motorized rotation
– On-screen orientation indicator (realtime feedback without fluoro)
– Left-right image reversal
– Top-bottom image reversal
– Negative mode
– Video signal: Standard RS 170A 60 Hz, 525 lines
– Aspect ratio: 4:3
– Computer controlled features:
– Gain, Blanking, Camera iris

• Image Intensifier

– 9″ Image Intensifier
– Tri-mode 9″/6″/4.5″ (23cm/15cm/11cm) image intensifier
– 12″ Image Intensifier
– Tri-mode 12″/9″/6″ (31cm/23cm/15cm) image intensifier

• Image Optimization

– AutoTrack ABS(Automatic Brightness Stabilization
– Smart Window
– Smart Metal
– Tungsten Collimator

Clinical Software Options

• GSP – General Surgical Package
• ESP – Expanded Surgical Package (optional 8 Frames Per Sec)
• Vascular Package ( 8/15 Frames Per Sec)
• Neuro Vascular Package (30 Frames Per Sec) – with MTS(Motion Tolerant Subtraction)
• Cardiac Package (30 Frames Per Sec)

Dimension

• C-Arm(9″ I.I.) Dimensions:

– Height: 69.7 in (1770 mm)
– Width: 33.5 in (851 mm)
– Length: 78 in (1994 mm)
– Weight: 610 lbs (277kg)

• Workstation Dimensions:

– Height: 64.25 in (1632 mm)
– Width: 27.25 in (692 mm)
– Depth: 27.25 in (692 mm)
– Weight: 450lbs (204kg)

Additional Features

• User Interface

– Entire system is computer controlled and software upgradeable
– Touchscreen control available
– Multi-functional controls
– Footswitch, IR remote (Optional), Hand-hel control
– Multi-purpose image directory
– Retrieve and review images
– Compose hardcopy films
– Copy images
– X-ray dose summary

• Hardcopy Options

– Integrated film/paper printer
– No film developing required
– 8″ x10″ (20.3cm x 25.5cm) laser quality film/paper
– Thermal printers
– Integrated DICOM 3.0 Interface (storage class/print class/query work-list)
– Laser aiming device (optional)

FAQ

AutoTrak is the function that automatically seeks the subject anatomy anywhere within the imaging field and selects optimal imaging. It automatically adjusts to anatomical size and location.

Automatic Brightness Stabilization (ABS) is the function that provides uniform image quality throughout the entire image. Unlike a CFD C-ARM, an II type C-ARM by nature has imaging distortion and brightness uniformity issues. These problems worsen it gets closer to the edge.
Smart Window is the function that dynamically senses the collimator position and automatically adjusts brightness and contrast to produce high image quality.

Smart Metal is the function that allow users to adjust automatic brightness and contrast sensitivity levels when metal is introduced to the field.

Tungsten Collimator is the function that denser collimator limits X-ray exposure area to reduce scatter radiation, which improves image detail.

The GE OEC 9900 in the current refurbished market is more or less 10-years old. Due to the high price position of the new OEC Elite and OEC Elite CFD series (around 200,000 US dollars), refurbished about 10 years ago, GE OEC 9900 systems are popular, but not as popular as the refurbished GE OEC 9800. They are sold between 120,000 and 150,000 US dollars depending on options and parties; whether refurbished by GE itself or a third party ISO (Independent Service Organizations). However, the price of parts and repair is still very expensive and it is difficult to get parts to reduce the system down time.

The GE OEC 9900 and OEC 9800 are very similar in features and performance. A few added features and an articulating flat panel monitor of the GE OEC 9900 are difficult to justify such a high additional cost than the OEC 9800. Hundreds units of the refurbished OEC 9800 are sold in the USA every year, so customers have more alternatives to find a place to repair and find a part for the GE OEC 9800, rather than the GE OEC 9900. However, more than 10 years of pre-owned medical equipment in tough clinical environments may have higher risks of problems on mechanical parts and lowered functionality on X-ray tubes and other generator and power supplies. Unless it’s covered by expensive warranty through GE or ISO (Independent Service Organizations), the cost of repair will be extremely high.

One of major strengths of having the GE OEC 9900 is that this system is clinically proven to provide extended imaging modes (Fluoro Mode, Pulsed Fluoro Mode, High Level Pulsed Fluoro, Digital Cine Pulse Mode, Digital Spot Mode, and Radiographic Mode) and clinical packages like current, top-selling C-ARM systems competitors. The 15kW generator power is well accepted and not limited in most examinations. Its rotating X-ray tube makes the system last long enough to perform complicated neurovascular and cardiac procedures as well. Additional complements of the GE OEC 9900 is that the mechanical apparatus is known to be durable, so that a 10 year-old refurbished system is still usable. Positioning of the system is relatively easy with smooth maneuverability and wheeling, but its 115° limited orbital rotation often gives operational inconvenience, which can significantly disturb a smooth operation procedure.

In conclusion, the GE OEC 9900 is a superior system, but difficult to justify the price difference against the GE OEC 9800, which almost has the same functionality and size. The GE OEC 9900 and other OEC series are durable, but most pre-owned systems in the market are more than 10 years old. Generally, refurbished OEC series are offered with a limited warranty of one year or no warranty at all. If a customer wants to purchase a C-ARM for next 5 to 10 years, the customer must consider the maintenance cost and parts scarcity within 1 to 2 years. A very limited number of people still have a CRT monitor TV or a 2G flip phone; however, a large portion of physicians still buy pre-owned C-ARMs since an up-to-date and fully digital interface C-ARM is still too expensive. Considering this background, what if there is a brand-new CFD C-ARM with 2 to 5 years warranty, proven durability and quality in more than 300 clinical sites in the USA, and is inexpensive compared to the refurbished GE OEC 9900 – don’t we need to consider the brand-new, affordable CFD C-ARM as your system for next 10 years?