Siemens Healthineers Develop Self-Driving Automated C-Arm System

Siemens Healthineers created an automated, self-driving C-arm system the Ciartic Move [3] which is designed for intraoperative imaging in surgery. 
 
The Ciartic Move has holonomic, omnidirectional wheels for precise movement in small spaces, allowing for easy and accurate positioning. The system can be moved and stored using a remote control, relieving the burden of technologists who typically manually set them.
 
The automated process saves time with automatic adjustments that are more precise to reduce imaging times. In intraoperative imaging during spine, pelvic, and distal radius surgery the Ciartic Move has default positions and recall settings that can save time by 50% [2].
 
“In conversations with our customers, the urgent need for a fully automated C-arm system to reduce the burden on surgical staff in the field of trauma surgery became apparent again and again. We have been developing this system over the past ten years and are very pleased to be able to introduce Ciartic Move,” said Carsten Bertram the head of Advanced Therapies at Siemens Healthineers. “The automation of intraoperative imaging, complete remote control, and ease of use ensure fast and accurate workflows.” 
 
Typical C-arms can weigh up to half a ton and must be repeatedly repositioned to provide specific and exact anatomical views. This tends to be time-consuming and is prone to error. The Ciartic Move returns to stored positions and settings at any time during the procedure. The system stores up to 12 process-specific 2D or 3D C-arm positions along with associated image parameters. 
 
The system also includes active sensing technology for collision protection. It also has touch-sense handles on the back and the detector for motor-assisted movements into other rooms. Also, a single person can remotely operate the system, even from sterile areas [1]. Ciartic Move allows appropriately trained surgeons or surgical teams to continue working when personnel with intraoperative imaging expertise are not available.
 
“Thanks to Ciartic Move, we can relieve our staff physically and mentally and bridge staff absences due to illness. The automatic return to the pre-determined position that we used before allows us to focus on the patient. We have been involved in the development of Ciartic Move for many years and are delighted that a product has been created that really makes our lives easier. Ciartic Move represents a quantum leap for the workflow in the OR with shorter process times and lower radiation exposure,” said Dr. Paul A. Grützner the director of the Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics in BG Klinik Ludwigshafen, Germany.
 
References
1 Remote system operation from the sterile field proven in a cadaveric setting with 10 human specimens, with orthopedic trauma and spine surgeons, compared with Cios Spin.
 
2 Time savings proven with orthopedic trauma surgeons in a cadaveric setting with 10 human specimens, compared with Cios Spin.
 
3 Ciartic Move is not available in all countries. Its future availability cannot be guaranteed. The statements of Siemens Healthineers customers described herein are based on results obtained in the customer’s specific environment. Since there is no “typical” hospital or laboratory and many variables exist (e.g. hospital size, sample mix, case mix, level of IT and/or automation adoption), there is no guarantee that other customers will achieve the same results.