Q: Is there a list of single lead radiofrequency pain management RF generators?

Here is a list of single lead RF Generators: Stryker 406-800 Smith & Nephew 20S Neurotherm 20S Baylis PMG115 Kimberly Clark PMG 115 Halyard: PMG 115 Cosman RFG-1A Cosman RFG-1B Single lead (or single channel) RF Generators are great for pain management physicians that are not looking to treat multiple sites concurrently. They also can be great choices for startup pain practices, second offices, or surgery centers that only do radiofrequency pain procedures a few times a week.

Question 1

Where can I get my Stryker RF Generator repaired after the warranty runs out?

Danny Asbille · Accepted Answer

If you have one of the Stryker Multigen lesion generators and are seeing an error or the Multigen is just not turning on, call one of our experts and we can help you ASAP. Many times we can even get you up and running over the phone. Same day turn around is available as are loaner RF generators.

Question 2

Where can I get my Neurotherm RF Generator repaired?

Danny Asbille · Accepted Answer

OR Support repairs all Neurotherm RF Generators. We can repair the NT1000, NT1100, and NT2000ix. We can repair most of the older single channel Neurotherm lesion generators as well. We will also take your RFA machine in on trade or buy it from you working or not. Please give contact us at 858-336-1377.

Question 3

What is the right way to spell RF cannula?

Danny Asbille · Accepted Answer

I am often asked about the different spellings of cannula that people see out there. If you are on the web it won't be long before you see website editors using cannula, cannulae, and cannulas interchangeably and often incorrectly. Cannula is the correct spelling for a single RF needle. Cannulae and Cannulas are the two plural forms of cannula. If anyone has seen another spelling out there let us know and we will add it to the list.

Question 4

What is the most popular ultrasound machine for pain management?

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

Handheld wireless ultrasound probe made by Healcerion Model Sonon-300L — Handheld wireless linear ultrasound-transducer made by Healcerion Model Sonon-300L. will connect wirelessly to your iPhone or Android phone or tablet.

Ultrasound-guided pain management procedures are becoming more accurate and more popular as reimbursement for c-arm guided pain procedures drops. Reimbursement for ultrasound-guided pain procedures is not as high as most pain management physicians would like, but the ultrasound machines' ease-of-use, comparatively low upfront investment and elimination of exposure to dangerous ionizing radiation is making ultrasound-guided pain management injections a more popular image-guided pain management procedure every day. (Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Injections in the Musculoskeletal System)

Normally, the biggest determining factor in the choice of an ultrasound machine for pain management physicians is how much will ultrasound system cost, and a close second factor being the quality of the ultrasound image. There are other factors to be considered as well like reliability, ease of use, training on the ultrasound machine, length, and comprehensiveness of the warranty, availability of a loaner ultrasound machine during any repair, et cetera.

New ultrasound systems can cost as much as $80,000 or more. I have not been able to calculate an ROI for any pain practice where this even begins to make sense. There are a large number of units in the $20,000-to-$45,000 range that produce fantastic images, but again, any calculation resulting in a desirable ROI (return-on-investment) is virtually impossible. So that leaves ultrasound systems that cost $22,000 and below. Here are a few more popular pain management ultrasound systems in that price range:

SONON 300L Wireless - $ 4000-6,500
Sonosite Mturbo - $8,995
GE Venue 40 - $9,800
GE Logic-e - $13,750
Sigma P5 - New - $14,900
Click here for pictures and information on the ultrasound systems above

Up until the last year-and-a-half, the most popular price range for ultrasound systems being used for pain management injections was $12,000 to $15,000, with a significant percentage of those being in the $8,000-to-$12,000 price range. The systems in this price range produce a good-to-better-than-average image for most pain management doctors with the biggest variable being the level of expectation of image quality by the doctor.

Physicians just leaving positions where a $45,000 GE ultrasound system or Mindray system might expect a little more in terms of ultrasound image quality than what these lower-cost ultrasound systems can produce, but overall most pain management physicians would be more than satisfied with the image quality.

Over the last decade, ultrasound systems for pain management practices have gone from large console-based machines about the size of an apartment refrigerator down to desktop-based machines and then down to laptop-sized ultrasound machines. Today where there are several ultrasound machines that are hand-held and wireless small enough that you can carry them in your pocket.

The cost of the wireless handheld ultrasound can be as low as $3,000 to $6,500. Many of these wireless transducers can connect to your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone or tablet. The more expensive of these wireless ultrasound transducers have better images, longer warranties, longer battery life, better balance, better ergonomics, and lower weight which can affect the price significantly.

One of the major disadvantages of handheld wireless ultrasound machines is the fact they are normally either a linear transducer or a curved transducer. There is one that has different transducer types on each end. This means you need to either buy two versions of the ultrasound machines or restrict yourself to using them only with shallow injections or deep injections instead of both. Hmmm, probably not something most doctors would accept. I have several pain management physicians who just use one of the better wireless linear probes for most pain procedures and do their hip injections with a c-arm.

Over the last few months, several significant technological innovations have been demonstrated at larger medical imaging conferences across the world. The largest medical imaging conference is the RSNA in Chicago at the end of November. I fully expect these changes to result in better and better wireless ultrasound systems being sold by ultrasound manufacturers in the very near future. There are some manufacturers that will give you a limited guarantee, that if you buy now they will upgrade you to the newer, more advanced ultrasound machines when they come out. If you decide to go this way, make sure you read the contract carefully. Some of the promises are not what they make them out to be.

So, back to the question "What is the most popular ultrasound machine for pain management procedures? It is a pretty even split between the SONOSITE laptop-based systems like the SONOSITE m-TURBO, one of the GE Logiq e ultrasound systems, or one of the GE Venue ultrasound machines.

Question 5

What is the most popular RF Generator for pain management procedures?

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

The most popular pain management RF generator changes every few months, but it is usually one of 3. It is either the Neurotherm NT 2000 RFA machine, the Stryker Multigen radiofrequency generator or the Cosman G4 RF generator. The current RFA (radiofrequency ablation) machines are all 4 lead systems, (some RF generator manufacturers call them 4 lead, 4 channel or 4 RF output, you get the idea). The Halyard pain management RF generator and the Neurotherm NT1100, three RF output, pain management radiofrequency generators are also very popular.

Most pain management physicians who are just starting out often choose to save 50-75% and start with a single lead RF generator or a 3 lead RFA machine.

Question 6

What is the least expensive RF Generator for pain management?

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

There are quite a few choices if you're looking for an inexpensive RF generator to do pain management procedures. Normally those choices would start by checking out one of the single channel radiofrequency generators. Basically, that means that you will only be able to treat one site at a time, or another way to put it is that the RFA machine will only power one RF electrode at a time. Click on the following link to see a list of single lead RF generators.

You may also be interested in looking at the least expensive 3 lead RF generators, or inexpensive 4 lead RF generators.

There are two 3 electrode output RF generators for pain management on the market:

- Neurotherm NT1000
- Neurotherm NT1100
Here is a list of radiofrequency lesion generators with 4 channels.
- Neurotherm NT2000ix RF Generator
- Cosman G4
- Stryker Multigen Radiofrequency Ablation Generator
- Stryker Multigen 2 RFA machine
- Halyard Pain Management PMG-115 RF Pain Management Generator
- Baylis PMG-115 Radiofrequency Generator
- Kimberly Clark Lesion Generator

Question 7

What is a leaded c-arm table drape?

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

SCATTERSHIELD-BLUE-pain-management-table

The surgical staff’s total radiation exposure caused by scatter radiation is significantly reduced (by as much as 99%) at the eye, thyroid, groin, knee, and foot levels by using lightweight, flexible lead shields both on top of the patient (TOP SHIELD) and from the c-arm tabletop to the floor (SCATTER SHIELD).

The scatter shield leaded table drape works with the c-arm's X-ray tube on top or bottom, but the best radiation protection is provided when the x-ray tube is positioned at the bottom of the c-arm table. When both imaging table radiation shields are used together they are effective even when doing laterals and obliques. Easy to use, the ultra-light panels protect physicians and medical staff against scatter radiation while allowing unobstructed positioning of the C-arm. Easy on, easy off. Takes only a few minutes to place on the c-arm table. The Scatter Shield and Top shield are fully adjustable and can easily accommodate any view. The two 12 x 24 panels can be used as additional shielding with the Scatter Shield when not in use.

a drawing of a Scattershield- top-shield-surgeon shield from orsupport.com — a graphic of a Scattershield- top-shield-surgeon shield from orsupport.com

Question 8

What 3 electrode pain management RF Generators are available?

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

There are two 3 electrode output RF generators for pain management on the market:

There are also single lead RF machines and 4 lead radiofrequency generators available.

Question 9

Is there a list of single lead radiofrequency pain management RF generators?

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

Here is a list of single lead RF Generators:

Single lead (or single channel) RF Generators are great for pain management physicians that are not looking to treat multiple sites concurrently. They also can be great choices for startup pain practices, second offices, or surgery centers that only do radiofrequency pain procedures a few times a week.

Question 10

Is there a list of RF generators with 4 RF electrode outputs?

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

Here is a list of RF generators with 4 channels.

Neurotherm NT2000ix RFA Generator
Stryker Multigen RF Generator
Stryker Multigen 2 RF Generator
Halyard Pain Management RF Generator
Baylis PMG 115 Radiofrequency Generator
Kimberly Clark Lesion Generator
Cosman G4 RF Generator

Question 11

How to sterilize Neurotherm RF Electrodes:

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

Halyard RF Electrodes for sale — RF electrodes in a sterilization tray

How to Sterilize reusable Neurotherm RF probes (RF electrodes).

When Neurotherm reusable electrodes, Test Leads, and Stimulation Test Blocks are used they must be sterilized by autoclaving to the instructions provided by the autoclave manufacturer's recommended sterilization procedure.

If in doubt, the sterilizer or autoclave manufacturer should be consulted for a recommendation of loading instructions and drying times.

Steam (Moist Heat). Quality of steam should be in accordance with the requirements of HTM2031 “Steam for Sterilization”. Wrapped (Porous Load) fractionated and pulse cycles.

Autoclave temperatures should be:- Pre-vacuum 1340 to 1370C (2740 – 2790F) for a minimum of 3 minutes. Do not use a gravity system processing for wrapped instruments.

When sterilizing unwrapped RF electrodes. The temperature range in each case should be:- 1340 – 1370C for a minimum of 3.5 minutes. Gravity displacement should also be 1340 – 1370C for a minimum of 3.5 minutes.

Ensure that any RFA probe cable does not contact the metal housing of the autoclave or other metal instruments during the sterilization cycle, as this may reduce the effective life of the radiofrequency electrode.

RF needles (RF cannula) and disposable RF probes are supplied sterilized, double wrapped and for single patient use only. It goes without saying, the disposable one-time radiofrequency probes and RF cannula can not be autoclaved or reused.

It is recommended that disposable Neurotherm radiofrequency electrodes (radiofrequency probes) should be used when possible, for added safety of the patient and members of the hospital staff. The downside to this is the cost of the disposable RF electrode.

Note: It is advised that autoclaves and other sterilization equipment should have validation certification and performance qualification tests undertaken of their process cycles for efficient processing.

Question 12

How to clean c-arm table pads

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

The following are the standard approved products and methods for the cleaning and disinfecting of c-arm table pads and most medical exam tables and medical stretcher pads.

Cleaning a c-arm table or other medical table pad

Option 1.

Wash the table pad with a generous application of neutral soap suds and lukewarm water. Do not immerse the pad. Rinse with water and dry.

Option 2.

Use a diluted bleach solution of 10-parts water to 1-part bleach.
Do not immerse. Bleach MUST be diluted to the 10:1 ratio or the medical table pad may disintegrate or dissolve. The life of the table pad will be greatly reduced if harsh cleaning agents are used. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. Do not let the cleaning agents dry on the pad.

All chemicals/solutions MUST be diluted to the manufacturer’s recommendations (look closely, often the proper dilutions are in “fine print” on the chemical's container and may often request that you use more than you need to or should use)

After the recommended time has passed to ensure disinfection, the pad surface should be wiped again with a wet cloth to remove any remaining chemical or solution.

Disinfecting a medical table pad.

Option 1.

Use Lysol Brand III I.C. Disinfectant Spray by Reckitt Benckiser Inc, Montvale, NJ per manufacturer’s instructions.

Reference: National Laboratories Item # 36241-95029-3

OPTION 2.

Use a diluted bleach solution of 10-parts water to 1-part bleach.

Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Do not immerse or soak the pad. Bleach MUST be diluted to the 10:1 ratio.

If you want your medical table pad to last a long time here are some cleaning do’s and don’ts.

Cleaning DO’s

DO clean all stains promptly.

DO use only fabric-safe cleaning agents or disinfectants.

DO use appropriate quaternary or phenolic type disinfectants if nylon fabric needs to be sanitized.

DO dilute all disinfectants and germicides in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

DO wipe fabric clean with neutral soap suds and lukewarm water.

DO rinse thoroughly.

DO allow adequate drying time before returning to service.

DO use a soft sponge with liquid cleaner as specified on the manufacturer’s product label for hard-to-clean areas.

DO clean daily to control or prevent odors on long term incontinent applications.

DO use a scented cleaner or disinfectant that is designed for use on fabrics if needed to control odors on long term incontinent applications.

DO disinfect blood contamination with a 1:10 dilution of household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) as recommended by the CDC (Center for Disease Control, US Department of Health and Human Service, February 1989); a weaker dilution, e.g. 1:100 can be used, but may not be in accordance with CDC recommendations. CDC's Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities

DO be aware that staining chemicals and cleaning agents can affect fabric strength, finish, longevity and color.

DO inspect mattresses frequently to ensure that new stains can be treated promptly and that there are no rids or tears in the table pad.

DO ask your support surface manufacturer for additional information related to the care and cleaning of the support surface.

Cleaning DON’Ts

DO NOT machine wash or machine dry. Ok, I was forced to say that, but Duh!

DO NOT use harsh cleaners or solvents ( I know I have said it before).

DO NOT use cleaning agents designed for use on hard, non-porous, or metal surfaces.

DO NOT use iodophor type disinfectants, such as Betadine, because they will stain the fabric.

DO NOT use household bleach or concentrated cleaning agents, disinfectants or germicides without diluting the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

DO NOT allow any cleaning agent to remain in contact with the fabric or sit on the fabric for a prolonged time.

DO NOT fail to adequately rinse the cleaning agent or disinfectant from the fabric.

DO Not apply tape to any pad. I know this always happens, but try to avoid it if you can. The solvent in the tape's adhesive dissolves the table pads covering.

The information contained herein is offered as being typical for the indicated product. The customer is solely responsible for determining fitness for use.

This company disclaims liability for any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any breach of the express warranty contained herein. The above cleaning recommendations are offered as information regarding commonly accepted cleaning practices for nylon fabrics. No fabric can be made permanently “stain-proof.”

Question 13

How much does it cost to fix an RF Generator?

Danny Asbille · Accepted Answer

Radiofrequency ablation generators (RFA machines) can typically be repaired at a fairly low cost. Most pain management RF generators can be fixed between $495 to about $3,500.

Question 14

How much do used ultrasound tables cost?

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

We are asked almost every day how much does a used ultrasound table cost?

Unlike other used imaging tables, for example, pain management c-arm tables, vascular c-arm tables or mobile urology surgical imaging tables, very few used ultrasound tables come on the secondary market. When a good echo table or other ultrasound table does appear, it usually sells the same day.

Usually, it pays to get on a dealer's waitlist or mailing list so that you will be notified before everyone else when a table does become available.

To answer the question "How much does a used ultrasound table cost?" it depends on a lot of things: brand, age of the table, the condition that it is in, length of warranty, what the warranty coversand how rare it is, but normally you will pay approximately 50-70% of what the table cost new.

Question 15

How much do used exam tables cost?

Accepted Answer

https://orsupport.com/category/exam-tables/

How much do used medical exam tables cost? We hear this question almost every day. The short answer is as low as $300 for a table that looks good and has good upholstery. The prices really depend on the brand; Ritter and Midmark are two of the most popular brands of used and refurbished exam tables. The features: There are fixed height exam tables, motorized height exam tables (sometimes called powered exam tables) and medical speciality exam tables like OB/GYN exam tables that have built-in leg stirrups. There are different height ranges, 21"-34" is pretty standard although there are models that go higher and lower. Different weight capacities 450 pounds is normal with some of the more expensive "$17,000 list" powered bariatric examinations tables, like the Midmark Ritter 244 exam table having patient weight limits of 850 pounds. Accessories, like lockable casters and paper roll holders, also can make a big difference in the price you would pay for a good, used exam table.

Question 16

How much do RF generators for pain management cost?

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

RF Generators sometimes called Radiofrequency Generators, Lesion Generators or RFA machines can cost as little as $1,000 or as high as $35,000. Mostly it depends on the brand, how many outputs the RF generator has, the number of RF electrodes are included and how many watts the generator can produce. The single RF output (single Lead) radiofrequency generators are the least expensive RFA machines available. They typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500. The 3 lead spinal RF generators (yes, you are right, 2 channel RF machines were never made), anyway 3 channel radiofrequency generators normally cost between $6500 to about $9,000. And yes you guessed it, the 3 electrode RFA machines are no longer being made either, but are still very popular with pain management physicians. There are several 4 lead RF generators available, in both new and used models. Neurotherm, Cosman, Stryker, Halyard, and Baylis to name a few. Prices for the top-of-the-line RF generators run from about $7,000 for a used model up to the $35,000. When you are looking to buy an RF generator for pain management many things can affect the price greatly:

How many RF electrodes you are getting with it?
Are the RF probes Stainless Steel or Nitinol? Nitinol probes are can be as much as twice as expensive as Stainless Steel Electrodes.
Sometimes even the size of the RF probes and make a difference in price.
"Just a note" you can almost always get RF electrodes thrown in for free or at a much lower cost when you buy the RFA machine. I have seen pain management centers save over $20,000 in one year by buying their estimated yearly need for probes with the purchase of their RF Generator.
Is there any training included?
How long is the warranty on the generator?
What is the warranty on the radiofrequency probes?
Are the probes:
- New
- Demo
- Recertified
- Used?
What brand of electrodes are they including?
If you are buying a c-arm, ultrasound machine, pain management c-arm table, or autoclave at the same time. A package deal can save you thousands.

Question 17

Do I need plumbing for a desktop autoclave?

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

Desktop-Autoclave-Tuttnauer-3870EA-Sterilizer

The quick answer is no you don't need any type of plumbing for a desktop autoclave, although other types of sterilizers do require plumbing.

Question 18

Can RF Electrodes (RF Probes) be repaired?

Danny Asbille · Accepted Answer

I get this question a lot. The answer is yes RF probes can be repaired can sometimes. to answer many of you who have asked the question Yes, RF probes and RF electrodes are the same things. whether the radiofrequency ablation probe can be repaired depends on the brand and what is broken. Neurotherm electrodes are the easiest to repair, but Stryker, Halyard, Cosman Baylis, and others can be repaired as well. I recommend saving all of your broken electrodes and ">call us when you need a new RF probe. Our experts will work with you to get an electrode to you asap at a great price.

Question 19

Can I repair my carbon fiber arm boards?

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

radiolucent-carbon-fiber-armboard-for-c-arm-tables-single-sided

After several years of use many radiolucent carbon fiber arm boards break. It can be that a screw comes out, or if you have a pain management clamp-on style armboard, a clamp may no longer hold onto or even fall off of a c-arm table. Sometimes the cheaper ones will even splinter or crack.

Whatever the case, most of these issues can be resolved by a company that specializes in either radiolucent armboards or carbon fiber arm boards. (In case you noticed the inconsistent spelling, some people spell it "armboard" and others, "arm board") Not all c-arm compatible armboards are made out of carbon fiber (again some people spell it "carbonfiber" or "carbon-fiber")

If your arm boards are broken or malfunctioning in any way, immediately take them out of patient service and call a repair company. You can save as much as 75% off the price of replacing your arm boards with a new pair.

If you have a broken arm board that and want to know if it can be repaired and how much it will cost, just take a picture of the whole arm board and a closer shot of the broken area and text it to 858-336-1377 or email it to service@orsupport.com and we will get back to you ASAP.

Question 20

Can I rent an RF generator for pain management procedures?

Danny Asbille · Accepted Answer

Yes, you can rent an RFA machine for performing pain management procedures. The prices to rent an RFA generator can vary depending on the brand of the lesion generator, the length of the rental period, the number of channels the radiofrequency generator has, and the number of RF electrodes you want with it. Here is a list of RF generators for rent. Feel free to contact one of the pain management equipment experts here.

Question 21

Can I add movements to my pain management c-arm table?

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

O.R. Support gets this question a lot. We are often asked if we can add one or more motorized movements to a physician's pain management c-arm table. This question normally happens after the pain management doctor has attended a cadaver injection workshop where one of the instructors showed them a new way to do an injection or a faster way to perform some other pain management procedure.

There are 5 standard motorized pain management table movements:

Height adjustment
Lateral tilt
Trendelenburg - Reverse Trendelenburg (most physicians count that as one movement)
Extend retract (sometimes called head to toe or X motion)
Side to side slide (Y motion)

Other c-arm table movements:

Four-way free float (manual movement - mostly used for vascular procedures)
Four-way motorized float (a combination of X and Y motions)
Fowler back (a backrest that raises up to 90 degrees)

The good news is yes you can upgrade your current used c-arm table. The price just depends on the brand and type of surgical imaging c-arm table you have. If you have one of the modular PMT 8000 c-arm tables, then it is easy. The factory just sends in a factory trained c-arm table service engineer and they will add motors, pivot points and sometimes linear rails for head to foot movement or side to side slide and you are back up and running (It seems like there should be a good pain management pun here. If you think of one send us a note and we will insert it here and give you credit) ..anyway...it normally takes 1-3 hours. Not very long at all.

Other brands of c-arm imaging tables:

Your pain management c-arm table is never obsolete. O.R. Support is can upgrade any of your PMT 8000 series surgical imaging tables in the field in just a few hours. We can even upgrade your PMT 8000 fixed height table to have motorized movements. We can repair and upgrade other models of c-arm tables as well.

Oakworks
Surgical Tables International (STI)
Biodex
Morgan Medesign
Medstone
Acoma
Stryker
Stille
Steris

If you have one of these other brands of c-arm tables or pain management tables just give O.R. Support a call or send a text to 858-336-1377 or contact us by email at service@orsupport.com.

We are open 24 hours a day seven days a week. We will be glad to help you with any of your equipment sales or service needs.

Question 22

C-arm Table Buyers Guide

Dan Asbill · Accepted Answer

Minimum Height

Doctors and nurses have complained for years that pain management c-arm tables, when lowered to the lowest position, were still too high. They did not feel comfortable trying to support an unstable and overweight patient while the patient climbed onto a two-step step stool to get on and off of a pain management imaging table. The PMT 8000 c-arm tables and the Oakworks surgical imaging tables go lower than other brands of fluoroscopic tables, making it very easy for the patient to get onto the table and lie down without trying to climb onto a stool first.

Patient Weight Limit

Most mobile c-arm tables state that they have a 500-pound weight limit, but if you look close, most of the manufacturers stated table weight limit is really described as "evenly distributed, static load", not patient weight. Since when is a patient either evenly distributed, or static?

Some c-arm tables with a 500-pound weight limit will tip over with as little as 240 pounds at the unsupported end of the table or less if the patient sits down a little too hard at the head end. You might think that a 650-pound weight capacity would be too high for your needs, but think again.

The surgical c-arm table weight limit is important for two other reasons. Doctors and nurses have complained that these cheaper lower weight limit tables move much too slowly, grind or "bounce" when lifting heavy patients.

The motors for many of the 500-pound tables are cheaper and built with lower-quality, less powerful motors than a table with a 650-pound weight capacity. It is not uncommon for these cheaper less powerful motors to fail, start squeaking or grinding within the first few years of use.

Upgradable (protection from obsolescence)

It is very common for facilities to buy a table with a few movements and within a year or two, need a table with additional movements. This often occurs due to budget considerations, a new doctor joining the practice, or a new technique being taught at a workshop. A table manufacturer that has the ability to upgrade your table in the field with zero downtime can save you the time, trouble and expense of buying a new table or the frustration and lost revenue that can occur if you have to send your table back to the factory.

C-arm Table Applications/In-service

In-service/applications are vitally important when using complex products that support and articulate patients. Even though many of the tables seem simple to use, virtually 100% of all accidents where patients were injured, the equipment was operated by personnel without adequate applications training. This training is so important most facilities have it in their SOP (standard operating procedures) that a table cannot be used with patients until personnel have been in-serviced. The better table manufacturers will either arrange to have an applications engineer provide training or provide a comprehensive training DVD. The DVDs have the advantage of being able to be reviewed anytime for refresher training when questions arise or provide training when new personnel are hired.

Warranty

Many table manufacturers’ warranty statements are very misleading. Some of the imaging table manufacturers will give you a 48-month warranty but will not tell you that all of the electronics are covered for only one to two years. (What are they covering? The metal?) The PMT 8000 fluoro tables currently have the longest and most comprehensive c-arm table warranty in the business: 50 months! Parts and labor for the total table, including the electric motors.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

This is an invaluable feature of any table. There is not a single table that is perfect for everyone. Having a 30-day money-back guarantee eliminates the risk of getting stuck with a table that does not work for you.

C-arm Access

We have customers who have purchased expensive tables from other manufacturers only to find out the table is very hard to use with a C-arm and there are angles they cannot get because there is metal in the way or the tabletop does not have enough metal-free imaging area. If the base of the table runs all the way to the head of the table, it is hard (if not impossible) to move the C-arm into the positions that you need. The PMT 8000 series table's base has the smallest footprint on the market. We have engineered the base to give the maximum amount of C-arm access and still provide the highest weight limit available.

Continuous Metal-Free Area

The amount of continuous metal-free area is very important because this determines how much of the spine you can image without repositioning the patient. The PMT 8000 series gives you the additional clearance you will need for the cranial/caudal angulation of the C-arm.

Scatter radiation & image quality

All of the tables produced by C-arms International/OR Support have the most radiolucent tabletops on the market today. FDA regulations require that tabletops used with imaging systems equivalent to 1 millimeter of aluminum or less.

Ease of movement

One manufacturer has added a very large and extremely heavy counter-weight over the rear wheels making the table steer erratically. It is almost impossible to push that table where you need it to go – even with two people! Even if you plan to put it into a room and leave it there, you will need to move your table from time-to-time.

UL or ETL listing?

This is extremely important because many cities, county governments, and other regulatory agencies require these certifications. This also shows the table meets the minimum safety requirements. There are a few small companies selling cheap tables that do not meet these requirements. All of the electrical components

Options (number & type of movements)

Many table manufacturers have a very limited number of table movement configurations available forcing you to pay for movements that you do not want or need. The PMT 8000 series tables allow you to choose any combination of movements and tabletop shapes saving you thousands of dollars if you do not need all of the movements now or need to add a movement in the future.

References

There are a lot of tables being sold on the market today and the table manufacturer no longer exists. Parts are virtually impossible to get/obtain for those tables. Some brands of tables have a much higher failure rate than others. There are 10 times the number of failures on the least reliable table compared to the most reliable table. We recommend getting at least five references from people that have had their tables for a minimum of two-to-three years. Also, references that have purchased multiple tables over multiple years will have the most experience with the table, service issues and the manufacturer.

Delivery time

It is not unusual for manufacturers to quote a four-to-six week delivery time on tables. This can be further delayed by requisite parts being out-of-stock and inclement weather preventing deliveries to-and-from the factory. The better financed, more stable companies can typically ship a table immediately. This prevents lost revenue from opening day surprises.

Service

It is not unusual for some manufacturers to use an untrained, third-party service organization to repair their tables. This often results in one-to-three days downtime per service incident. They may even require you to ship the c-arm table back to the factory to get it fixed. The companies that provide superior service normally have local factory-trained service engineers backed up by a regional product specialist.

Question 23

Are there any two-channel RFA generators?

Danny Asbille · Accepted Answer

RF generators also called RFA machines, Lesion generators, radiofrequency generators, pain management generators, and several other names come in single-channel, three-channel, and four-channel models. I get a lot of questions on the terminology used if you can’t tell from the length of the prior sentence:) The number of channels is also the number of RF electrodes that you can use at the same time.

I have been working with radiofrequency generators and pain management equipment in general since 1992 and I have never seen a two-channel RFA generator. If any of you know of one let me know.

Question 24

Are RF cannulae and RF needles the same thing?

Danny Asbille · Accepted Answer

Yes, to answer everyone who has asked, RF cannula and RF needles are the same thing. Both terms are correct. RF electrodes and RF probes are different from RF cannula or RF needles. RF Cannula or RF needles (whichever term you prefer) are placed on/over an RF probe - RF electrode. RF electrodes and RF probes are the same thing. They are what is plugged into an RF Generator. I hope that was clear. If you are still confused or if I just did not explain it well enough, please text or call me at 858-336-1377. I am also available by email. Just click here.