Why Do C-Arms Use Collimators?

The X-rays emitted by C-arms used in operating rooms are mainly ionizing radiation. For patients in the operating room, the radiation comes directly from the X-ray machine. For medical staff such as doctors and nurses, the radiation they are exposed to is scattered rays from the patient’s body.

Due to the penetrability of X-rays, they can enter the human body and ionize internal cells. The ions produced by ionization may erode complex organic molecules (such as proteins, nucleic acids, and enzymes) — the main components of living cells and tissues. Once these molecules are damaged, the normal chemical processes in the body will be disrupted; in severe cases, cells may die. Cell damage can lead to cell inhibition, death, or even affect the next generation through genetic mutations.

When there are no patients or objects in the X-ray beam, the radiation from the tube can be considered to hit the inside of the image intensifier and be absorbed, so the radiation absorbed by nearby staff is minimal. However, once the patient is exposed, the radiation situation in the operating room changes completely. After the C-arm’s radiation enters the patient’s body, only about 1% of it passes through the patient and reaches the surface of the image intensifier.

This is precisely why C-arms use collimators. The main function of a collimator is to control the X-ray irradiation field, thereby reducing the radiation damage caused by scattered rays to both doctors and patients.

Weifang Newheek Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. is an import and export trading company specializing in the production of X-ray machines and accessories. We offer a complete range of collimators. Welcome to inquire!