THANKS TO YOU: A Clearer Picture for Surgery
- cerraa
- Jul 1, 2002
- 3 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
Because of your generosity, two brand-new C-Arms arrived at Sault Area Hospital this spring.
When you look at the picture above, it’s easy to see why these special pieces of equipment are called “C-Arms”. These x-ray imaging devices are shaped like the letter “C”! A C-Arm lets care providers see inside the body, showing real-time x-ray images during surgeries and procedures.
This isn’t just a regular x-ray though: this technology turns the x-ray into a moving image. The live images are displayed on a screen in the operating room.
The “C” shape is a key part of how this tool works – it lets the equipment move around the patient while they are on the procedure table. Once the position is set, the C-Arm can take images from different angles.
While surgeons depend on the images from the C-Arm to make decisions, they often don’t operate this equipment themselves. The C-Arm is usually operated by a Medical Radiation Technologist (MRT). MRTs work together with the surgeon; their job is to position the C-Arm and ensure safe, accurate, high-quality imaging. With the help of MRTs, surgeons can see their progress during surgery, and guide instruments and tools.
Because of your support, Sault Area Hospital has two new C-Arms!
The two C-Arms are different sizes, and each is useful for different purposes. The smaller one is great for orthopedic (bone) procedures. The larger one produces a bigger image, which is ideal for urology (kidney, bladder) procedures. Both C-Arms also support cardiac (heart) and pain management procedures.
The new C-Arms are already making a difference in our operating rooms. They provide sharper, more detailed images at lower radiation doses, reducing exposure for both patients and staff.
We asked the MRTs what they like most about the new C-Arms, and it’s the little enhancements. Both systems have a laser light that helps position the C-Arm quickly and easily. They also like having a dedicated touch screen to view and manipulate images. All these little enhancements let MRTs work faster – which can reduce procedure times and radiation dosage.
It’s because of you that we can continue to provide our teams with new equipment, and provide patients with the best possible care at Sault Area Hospital. Thank you!
"Providing our surgical teams with new C-Arm technology directly impacts our ability to provide safer, more precise care for our patients and ensures the best image quality. Thank you to all donors who supported this new equipment." - Jill Kennedy, Manager, Medical Imaging
In the last 5 years....
Your support has helped bring over $11 million in medical imaging equipment to Sault Area Hospital!
Some of these critical projects have included...
A brand-new $3.2 million MRI (2022)
All 3 Radiology (X-Ray) Rooms (2024)
Interventional Radiology Suit (2024)
Fluoroscopy Equipment (2023)
Nuclear Medicine Gamma Camera (2021)
Mammography (Breast Screening) Unit (2021)
Plus ultrasound units, stress testing equipment, echocardiography units, and so much more!
Thanks to you, our care providers are getting clearer pictures - critical to funding and fixing problems for patients. Your support makes it possible! Thank you!
Celebrating Medical Radiation Technologists at SAH
MRT Week is an annual celebration of Medical Radiation Technologists across Canada. This year, MRT week takes place from November 2 - 8, 2025.
MRTs are the experts who make advanced medical imaging possible, like the images taken by our brand-new C-Arms.
If you have ever had an X-Ray, CT Scan, MRI, Mammogram, Interventional Radiology procedure, Nuclear Medicine procedure or Radiation Therapy, you’ve been in contact with an MRT. They’re the people who operate our sophisticated imaging equipment to give clearest pictures possible while keeping patients safe and comfortable.
MRTs are a vital part of our care team. Thank you for helping give them the tools they need to provide outstanding care at Sault Area Hospital!
Donations help us deliver outstanding care.
