MINIATURE C-ARM IMAGING - AN IN-VITRO STUDY OF DETECTING FOREIGN-BODIES IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Study Objective: Recently, we have had clinical success detecting fore ign bodies (FBs) using a mobile C-arm fluoroscopic device, This study tests its utility to detect FBs of differing densities in soft tissue, Design: Blinded, randomized, controlled in vitro study, Methods: Two physicians used the Xi-scan(R) mini C-arm to image FBs, Five FBs of di ffering densities were studied: metal, gravel, glass, wood, and plasti c. The FBs were placed into the deep muscles of chicken legs, One hund red observations were made: 50 legs with FBs and 50 legs without FBs, The blinded investigators imaged the legs and determined the presence or absence of FBs. Results: Imaging located 100% of metal, gravel and glass FBs. Plastic and wood could not be consistently detected (sensit ivity 0.4, specificity 0.6), Conclusions: This device accurately detec ts metal, gravel and glass, Radiolucent (wood) and semiradiopaque (pla stic) FBs could not be located reliably. Clinical trials would define utility of this device in saving time, money and radiation exposure.