Article Series
Browse our collection of multi-part article series on the evolution and technology of Mini C-arms.
Clinical Milestones 2 parts
View Series Archive- 1
Proving the Mini C-Arm Concept – The Mayo Clinic Challenge
An excerpted historical account detailing how the Mayo Clinic validated the Mini C-arm concept, enabling HealthMate, Inc.'s successful IPO.
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Northwestern University Thanks Fluoroscan – A 1996 Letter
A historical letter from Northwestern University's head team physician describing the critical role of the Fluoroscan Mini C-arm during the 1996 Rose Bowl.
Commercialization Challenges 2 parts
View Series Archive- 1
Manufacturing Challenges with the Original Mini C-Arm
A historical account detailing the engineering and manufacturing challenges faced during the creation of the first Fluoroscan Mini C-arm.
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Good Times for Manufacturers Seeking Capital
Larry Grossman discusses the shift from dot-com hype back to 'real' manufacturing and his 70 rejections before funding Fluoroscan.
Invention of the Mini C-Arm 2 parts
View Series Archive- 1
A Timeline of Mini C-Arm Development
A detailed historical timeline documenting the invention, engineering breakthroughs, and major milestones in the development of the Mini C-arm.
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How I Invented the Mini C-Arm
The definitive firsthand account by Larry Grossman on adapting NASA's LIXI technology into the first X-ray tube Mini C-arm.
Mini C-Arm Market Growth 5 parts
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IPO Provides X-ray Equipment Firm a Clearer Growth Picture
A historical Crain's Chicago Business report detailing Fluoroscan's 1994 IPO and strategic shift toward medical imaging markets.
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Picture Brightens for Pioneer in X-ray Systems Technology
A historical article detailing Fluoroscan's early struggles, bankruptcy reorganization, and emergence as a leader in Mini C-arm imaging.
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Security Traders Handbook: IPO Spotlight – The Fluoroscan
An excerpted article highlighting the diverse medical, industrial, and security applications of the Fluoroscan Mini C-arm.
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Hologic Lays Plans To Acquire Mini C-arm Maker Fluoroscan
A historical M&A report detailing Hologic's 1996 plan to acquire Fluoroscan Imaging Systems and global expansion strategy.
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The Birth of Orthoscan
The story of Orthoscan's founding in 2001 and the development of the first all-digital, high-definition Mini C-arm.
NASA Technology Transfer 5 parts
View Series Archive- 1
The Origin of Mini C-arm Technology
A historical white paper detailing the origins of Mini C-arm technology, co-authored in 1982 to introduce the innovation to the investment community.
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How I Built on NASA's LIXI Technology to Invent the Mini C-arm
Larry Grossman explains the technical leap from military night-vision and black hole exploration to the revolutionary 99% radiation reduction of the Mini C-arm.
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When the Space Program is Your Partner
A 1985 report on how NASA's Technology Transfer program enabled entrepreneurs like Larry Grossman to turn black hole exploration tech into medical innovation.
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NASA Documents the Birth of the Mini C-Arm Industry
NASA documentation detailing how LIXI technology evolved into low‑radiation fluoroscopy systems and helped launch the modern mini C‑arm industry.
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NASA's Low‑Intensity X‑Ray Patent: A Landmark in Technology Transfer
A detailed overview of U.S. Patent 4,142,101, NASA's 1979 invention describing a low‑intensity X‑ray and gamma‑ray imaging device that became the basis for the Lixiscope and later portable fluoroscopy systems.