For fluoroscopic equipment like a C-Arm, using an image intensifier is an essential component
For fluoroscopic equipment like a C-Arm, using an image intensifier is an essential component. However, there will inevitably come a time where the image intensifier needs to be replaced. Most image intensifiers have a good lifespan and can be used effectively until the day it needs to be replaced. However, you should keep in mind that it is incredibly common for fluoroscopy systems to go through a few image intensifiers throughout its use.
The common phenomenon is that image intensifiers will eventually fail. Because of that, we have devised a set of precautions by determining the few ways users can prolong the life of their image intensifiers and even a few ways for users to be able to gauge when failure is imminent.
Extending the life of your image intensifier.
The main priority of an image intensifier is to convert x-ray photons to visible light. In an image intensifier, there is a layer that intercepts the x-ray photons and is known as the “phosphor.” The phosphor is a crucial component in an image intensifier. One way to keep your image intensifier up and running is to try taking a conservative approach to exposing the phosphor to x-rays. This can be done by limiting the amount of testing done with an open field. When conducting a test, the rays coming to the phosphor can be blocked with a piece of lead over the image intensifier.
Another way to reduce the wear and tear of the phosphor is to use proper collimation techniques. To do so, you can limit the x-ray beams to the relevant areas for a given scan. That way you would not be unnecessarily exposing other areas of the phosphor layer to the x-ray photons.
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Determining failure of your Image Intensifier.
Another important job of an image intensifier is to highlight the systems light signal to enhance image brightness. The rate of failure may increase when the reactivity of the phosphor wears down due to multiple techniques used to achieve the same intensity.
The rate of failure may also increase when the image intensifier starts to display fine, dark spots on the image. The spots are caused by a breakdown inside the image intensifiers insert. The spots appear when coating on the insert has fallen away. Once these spots start becoming more vivid, there is a good chance more of them will be seen in the future.
Sudden failure and decline are common in a lot of equipment including image intensifiers. However, by using the right techniques, you might just be able to maximize the use of this equipment. By doing so, you can be guaranteed optimal use of the image intensifier.
However, even after following all the right maintenance measures, there comes a time that you need to replace or change your equipment. For this, you need an experienced, reliable provider like Amber USA. For the past 25 years, We’ve provided the best used and refurbished radiology equipment – including OEC C-arms, MRI machines, CT scanners, ultrasound machines, and much more. We also offer the best counsel and service to all our customers along with custom, no-risk warranty plans. If you have any questions or need any other information – don’t hesitate to contact us now! Also, don’t forget to browse our full range of C-arm equipment and more here.
