The new C-arm machine in the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital is a game changer.
The GE OEC Elite mobile C-arm allows veterinary teams in several specialty services to capture high-resolution continual pulse X-ray images in real-time during surgical procedures.
“This capability is an invaluable and essential asset in fields like cardiology, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, and internal medicine,” said Stephanie Canon, manager of clinical support for the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center. “The C-arm can significantly impact surgical outcomes.”
For instance, in cardiology, the C-arm’s fluoroscopy imaging captures intricate details even during heartbeat motion. This aids clinicians in procedures such as patent ductus arteriosus (congenital heart defect) and pulmonic balloon valvuloplasty. It allows the medical team to guide small guidewires through the vascular system.
A recent patient in the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital was diagnosed with severe pulmonic stenosis and had a surgical intervention via balloon valvuloplasty.
“Our goal with this procedure was to open up the pulmonic valve enough to reduce the workload for the right ventricle of the dog’s heart by at least 50%,” said Dr. Kristen Poplawski, clinical assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences.
Small animal surgeons have also benefited from the new C-arm machine. Orthopedic surgeons utilize it to improve the precision of fracture alignments and hardware placements. In soft tissue surgeries, the C-arm is essential for visualizing both the subcutaneous ureteral bypass devices and ureteral stents.
The Internal Medicine Service utilizes the C-arm for multiple procedures including Cystograms and Urethrograms, allowing veterinarians to evaluate the urinary bladder and lower urinary tract by examining the anatomy and function with contrast.
The C-arm machine purchase was made possible through donations to the Companion Animal Fund. Since its founding in 1983, the Companion Animal Fund has been utilized to improve patient facilities in the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, purchase cutting-edge equipment, and enhance the efforts of Iowa State veterinary specialists seeking better solutions to treat and prevent diseases and ailments afflicting companion animals.
Individuals wishing to contribute to the Companion Animal Fund can call 515-294-8493 or go online at https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1463/giving/interior-1col.aspx?sid=1463&gid=1&pgid=1904&cid=6113&appealcode=ASG99VMCOMANIMWEB
January 2025
