Refurbished and Used Full-Size C-Arm Machines

Refurbished Full-Size C-Arms From GE OEC, Ziehm, Philips and Siemens

Quick answer: A full-size C-Arm is the standard mobile fluoroscopy system for operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers and pain management suites. Amber Diagnostics stocks refurbished full-size C-Arms from GE OEC, Ziehm, Philips and Siemens, in both image intensifier and flat panel detector configurations. Refurbished full-size systems typically run $12,000 to $85,000 depending on generation, detector type and software licensing. Every system is inspected, refurbished, calibrated and phantom tested at our Orlando facility before it ships.

On This Page

• GE OEC C-Arms
• Ziehm C-Arms
• Philips C-Arms
• Siemens C-Arms
• How to Choose a Full-Size C-Arm
• Image Intensifier Size and Detector Type
• Full-Size C-Arm Pricing
• Procedures and Specialties
• Amber Buys Full-Size C-Arms
• Full-Size C-Arm FAQ

GE OEC C-Arms

GE OEC is the most widely deployed full-size C-Arm brand in United States surgery centers, and for good reason. The 9800 and 9900 platforms have enormous installed bases, which means parts availability and independent service coverage are the best in the category. If you want the safest long-term ownership position on the secondary market, OEC is usually the answer.

Model	Detector	Generation	Best fit
OEC 9600	9″ image intensifier	Entry	Startup surgery centers and pain management practices working to a tight capital budget
OEC 9800	9″ or 12″ image intensifier	Performance	The value sweet spot. Dual monitors, broad imaging profiles, excellent parts supply
OEC 9800 with Digital Detector	Flat panel retrofit	Performance plus	9800 workflow with flat panel image quality and reduced dose
OEC 9900 Elite	9″ or 12″ image intensifier	Premium	Higher output generator, improved processing, vascular and cardiac profiles available
OEC Elite CFD	Flat panel detector	Premium	Latest-generation imaging, touchscreen workstation, largest square field of view
OEC Elite	Image intensifier	Premium	Elite platform ergonomics and software at image intensifier cost
OEC ONE	Compact image intensifier	Compact	Outpatient surgical clinics and procedure rooms with footprint limitations
OEC ONE FD	Compact flat panel detector	Compact premium	Small-footprint rooms that still need flat panel image quality

The OEC 9800 remains the single most requested full-size C-Arm we sell. It is mature enough to be affordable, recent enough to be fully serviceable, and capable enough for the overwhelming majority of orthopedic, spinal and pain management work. If you are not sure where to start, start there.

Ziehm C-Arms

Ziehm Imaging builds C-Arms with a reputation for compact footprints, strong cooling and monoblock generator designs that hold up under long procedures. Ziehm systems are particularly well regarded where OR space is tight or where case volume runs high enough that thermal capacity actually matters.

Model	Detector	Notes
Ziehm Vision	Image intensifier	Established general surgical platform with a compact footprint
Ziehm Vision R	Image intensifier	Adds motorized rotation for repeatable positioning
Ziehm Vision FD	Flat panel detector	Flat panel image quality with distortion-free square field of view
Ziehm Vision RFD	Flat panel detector	Motorized rotation plus flat panel. Strong choice for vascular and hybrid work
Ziehm Quantum	Image intensifier	Mid-generation workhorse, widely serviced, excellent value
Ziehm Solo	Image intensifier	Compact single-unit design for tight procedure rooms
Ziehm Vista	Image intensifier	Cost-effective platform for routine orthopedic and pain management
Ziehm Exposcop Vista	Image intensifier	Earlier-generation entry option

Philips C-Arms

Philips mobile C-Arms are known for image processing quality and for the Pulsera line, which is common in vascular and interventional settings. The 12-inch Pulsera in particular gives you a noticeably larger field of view than a standard 9-inch intensifier, which matters for abdominal and peripheral vascular work.

Model	Detector	Notes
Philips BV Endura	9″ image intensifier	Compact general surgical system
Philips Pulsera 9″	9″ image intensifier	Versatile surgical and pain management platform
Philips Pulsera 12″	12″ image intensifier	Larger field of view for vascular, abdominal and bariatric imaging
Philips Veradius	Flat panel detector	Flat panel image quality with strong dose management

Siemens C-Arms

Siemens Arcadis systems are built around isocentric and orbital designs that make repeatable multi-plane positioning straightforward. The Orbic in particular is favored for spinal and orthopedic work where you need reliable AP and lateral views without repositioning the patient.

Model	Detector	Notes
Siemens Arcadis Orbic	9″ image intensifier	Isocentric orbital design, excellent for spine and 3D-capable configurations
Siemens Arcadis Avantic	9″ or 12″ image intensifier	Higher output generator for vascular and larger patients
Siemens Arcadis Varic	9″ image intensifier	General surgical and orthopedic workhorse

How to Choose a Full-Size C-Arm

Four decisions determine which full-size C-Arm is right for your facility. Work through them in this order and the shortlist usually narrows to two or three systems.

1. Define your procedure mix first. Routine orthopedic and pain management work is well served by a 9-inch image intensifier. Vascular, cardiac and abdominal imaging need higher generator output and a larger field of view. Buying vascular capability for an orthopedic OR is the most common and most expensive purchasing mistake we see.
2. Decide on detector technology. Flat panel gives you a square, distortion-free field at lower dose, but costs meaningfully more and cannot be retrofitted onto most platforms later. If flat panel is where you need to end up, buy into it now.
3. Check generator power against your patient population. If you regularly image larger patients or need lateral spine views, a higher output generator is not optional. Underpowered systems produce noisy images exactly when you need clarity most.
4. Confirm software licensing before you buy. Imaging profiles for vascular, cardiac and orthopedic work are licensed features. Adding them after purchase is possible but frequently expensive. The ideal pre-owned unit already carries the licenses you need.

Image Intensifier Size and Detector Type

The two specifications that most affect what you can actually see are intensifier diameter and detector technology. Here is how the common configurations compare.

Configuration	Field of view	Typical use	Relative cost
9″ image intensifier	Round, standard	Orthopedics, spine, pain management, general surgery	Lowest
12″ image intensifier	Round, larger	Vascular, abdominal, bariatric patients	Moderate
Flat panel detector	Square, distortion-free	Vascular, cardiac, complex surgical, high-acuity	Highest

A square flat panel field is more useful than its diagonal measurement suggests. Because you lose no anatomy to the rounded corners of an intensifier image, a flat panel captures more usable anatomy per exposure than a round field of comparable size. Flat panels also avoid the pincushion distortion that appears at the edges of intensifier images, which matters when you are judging hardware alignment.

Full-Size C-Arm Pricing

Refurbished full-size C-Arms span $12,000 to $85,000. The spread comes down to generation, detector type, generator output, software licensing and monitor configuration. These are the tiers we see most often.

Investment level	Price range	Representative models	What you get
Level 1, Entry	$25,000 – $45,000	OEC 9600, Ziehm Exposcop Vista	Older-generation platforms, image intensifier, standard monitors. Well suited to startup surgical centers and routine orthopedic work
Level 2, Performance	$45,000 – $65,000	OEC 9800, Ziehm Quantum, Siemens Arcadis Varic	Mid-generation platforms, dual-monitor workstations, broader imaging profiles, excellent parts availability
Level 3, Premium	$70,000+	OEC 9900, OEC Elite CFD, Ziehm Vision RFD, Philips Veradius	Latest-generation systems, flat panel detector options, touchscreen workstations, newest software

Budget for the costs that follow the purchase as well. Installation and calibration typically runs $3,000 to $8,000, annual service contracts $5,000 to $25,000, radiation safety compliance $2,000 to $6,000, and staff training $1,000 to $3,000. Specific terms, pricing and availability may vary based on location, equipment selection and current market conditions.

Read the full 2026 C-Arm Pricing Guide →

Procedures and Specialties

Full-size C-Arms carry the surgical and interventional workload. These are the settings where they earn their keep.

Setting	Typical procedures	Configuration we usually recommend
Ambulatory surgery centers	Orthopedic fixation, spinal injections, general surgical guidance	9″ image intensifier, dual monitors
Orthopedic surgery	Fracture reduction, joint work, hardware placement	9″ image intensifier, orthopedic imaging profile
Pain management	Epidural steroid injections, facet blocks, radiofrequency ablation	9″ image intensifier with a 3 or 4 motion table
Spine surgery	Pedicle screw placement, fusion, kyphoplasty	Isocentric platform such as Arcadis Orbic, or a 12″ intensifier
Vascular and interventional	Peripheral vascular intervention, angiography, embolization	Flat panel detector, high output generator, vascular license
Urology	Stone management, ureteral stent placement, lithotripsy guidance	9″ or 12″ intensifier with a urology table
Veterinary and mobile providers	Mixed orthopedic and diagnostic imaging	Entry-level platform, prioritize durability and parts supply

How We Refurbish Full-Size C-Arms

Every full-size C-Arm that leaves our Orlando facility goes through the same process. We transform imaging equipment back into like-new condition so you can grow your business without going over budget.

1. Multi-point inspection of the generator, X-ray tube, image intensifier or flat panel detector, collimator, mechanical drives and control systems.
2. Replacing and repairing worn parts, including bearings, cables, brakes, batteries and any component outside specification.
3. Electrical refurbishment of the power distribution, boards and interconnects.
4. Final calibration so the system meets the manufacturer’s performance specifications.
5. QA and phantom testing to verify image quality and dose output before the unit is cleared to ship.

We support you at every stage of the process, from site planning to shipping, installation and technical servicing. Warranties and financing are available on every system we sell. Keep your costs down and imaging capabilities high with Amber Diagnostics.

Amber Buys Full-Size C-Arms

Upgrading to a flat panel system, consolidating locations or closing a service line? We buy full-size C-Arms as actively as we sell them. Amber Diagnostics purchases used C-Arms and C-Arm tables directly from hospitals, surgery centers, orthopedic practices and imaging centers nationwide.

1. Tell us what you have. Submit the form with your make, model and condition.
2. We make a fair offer. An equipment specialist calls you back with a market-based number.
3. We handle the rest. Agree to the offer, close the contract and get paid. Deinstallation and rigging logistics are discussed as part of your offer.

We have been buying on the secondary market for over 30 years, so we know what your equipment is worth and how to get it out of your building without disrupting your schedule. WE MAKE IT EASY.

Full-Size C-Arm FAQ

How much does a refurbished full-size C-Arm cost?

Refurbished full-size C-Arms typically run $12,000 to $85,000. Entry-level platforms such as the OEC 9600 land in the $25,000 to $45,000 range. Mid-generation systems like the OEC 9800 and Ziehm Quantum sit at $45,000 to $65,000, which is where most surgery centers find the best balance of capability and cost. Premium flat panel systems including the OEC Elite CFD and Ziehm Vision RFD start around $70,000. Final pricing depends on generator output, detector type, software licensing, monitor configuration and included warranty.

Which full-size C-Arm is best for a surgery center?

For a broad orthopedic and pain management case mix, the GE OEC 9800 is the most commonly recommended system and the one we sell most often. It offers dual monitors, a mature software package, strong generator output and the best parts availability of any platform on the secondary market. Ziehm Quantum and Siemens Arcadis Varic are comparable alternatives. If you also perform vascular procedures, step up to a 12-inch intensifier or a flat panel system.

What is the difference between a 9-inch and a 12-inch image intensifier?

The number refers to the diameter of the input field. A 9-inch intensifier covers the anatomy needed for orthopedic, spinal and pain management work and is the most common configuration. A 12-inch intensifier gives you a wider field of view, which matters for abdominal imaging, peripheral vascular runs and larger patients. The tradeoff is cost and, on some platforms, slightly higher dose to cover the larger field.

Can I add a flat panel detector to my existing C-Arm?

Generally no. Detector hardware is platform-specific, and upgrading from an image intensifier to a flat panel detector is not possible on most existing C-Arm platforms. The notable exception is the OEC 9800, which can be fitted with a digital flat panel detector retrofit. For every other system, moving to flat panel means buying into a flat panel platform. Software upgrades, by contrast, are usually available post-installation.

How long will a refurbished full-size C-Arm last?

Plan for a 7 to 10 year service life from the point of purchase, assuming reasonable case volume and a maintained service contract. Parts availability for major brands stays strong for systems up to 10 to 12 years old. The primary wear components are the X-ray tube and the image intensifier or flat panel detector. Ask us for the estimated remaining life of those components on any specific unit, since that is what determines your real ownership horizon.

Do I need a lead-lined room for a full-size C-Arm?

No. Mobile C-Arms are designed for use in standard operating rooms and procedure rooms, and no permanent radiation shielding is required. Your room does not need lead-lined walls. All personnel present during fluoroscopy must wear lead aprons, thyroid shields and eye protection, and the room must be large enough to move the C-Arm freely around the table. Radiation safety training for staff working near fluoroscopy is required by most state regulations.

What service and warranty coverage is available?

Every refurbished full-size C-Arm we sell can be covered by a warranty, and we offer service contracts covering preventive maintenance, emergency repair and component coverage. Independent service organizations typically price 20 to 40 percent below OEM. For flat panel systems, confirm specifically whether the detector panel is covered, since panel replacement can run $40,000 to $80,000. We also provide installation, applications training and ongoing technical servicing.

Talk to a C-Arm Specialist

Tell us your procedure mix, your budget and your room dimensions, and we will tell you honestly which full-size systems make sense. Call +1 888-561-7900 or 407-438-7847, or request pricing online.