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Increasing Demand for
Digital Flat-panel Imaging Systems
With a sharp increase in the
incidence of cardiovascular disorders and mortalities in Europe, the need for
early detection as well as cardiac interventional procedures has created
enhanced scope for the uptake of cardiac catheterisation imaging systems.
Initiatives by healthcare authorities to revamp cardiac catheterisation labs are
also likely to encourage the replacement of analog image intensifier systems
with flat-panel digital ones, thereby stimulating market growth.
"Greater focus on the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disorders is leading to
increased interventional procedures, thereby creating the need for sophisticated
cardiac imaging systems", states Ms. Srividya Badrinarayanan, Industry Analyst
at Frost & Sullivan . "Moreover, the trend of replacement of analog image
intensifier by flat panel systems which offer improved image quality is reviving
the market."
The growing awareness of
cardiovascular disorders (CVD) has led to a rise in the number of diagnostic
procedures, thereby resulting in a spurt in interventional cardiac
catheterisation procedures. A growing focus on efficient and non-invasive
techniques of diagnostic cardiology such as computed tomography angiography (CTA)
and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has also resulted in the augmented use
of cardiovascular X-rays in catheterisation procedures.
Accordingly, revenues in the
European cardiac catheterisation imaging systems market are anticipated to reach
$196.6 million by 2009 from an estimated $144.1 million in 2004. The single
plane cardiovascular imaging systems segment will continue dominating the
overall market. At the same time, the biplane systems segment is also likely to
boost market revenues.
However, while digital flat
panel systems will enhance the efficiency of cardiac catheterisation labs in
providing high-quality care and reducing waiting lists, their price will impose
restraints on market growth. "The acceptance of digital systems has been
hampered by the significant price difference that exists between analog and
digital systems", explains Ms. Badrinarayanan. "In addition, the total market
has been affected by constant price erosion."
Despite the decline in prices,
cardiac catheterisation imaging systems still remain unaffordable to many
healthcare institutions and imaging centres. Thus, justifying equipment price
(particularly for new technology equipment) will become essential to prevent
healthcare institutions from opting for refurbished equipment.
Presently, countries such as
the United Kingdom are offering cardiac catheterisation procedures in
out-patient facilities (mobile imaging facilities) due to long waiting lists. In
keeping with this trend, industry stakeholders will gain by focussing on the
marketing, development and promotion of such facilities.
Currently, the market has
almost reached saturation with limited equipment being added each year at new
sites. Hence, long-term growth potential will depend on efforts to innovate new,
pioneering and cost-effective technologies to maintain the product cycle.
"Despite the market being
mature, all market participants are increasingly investing in new technologies
to revitalise the market", remarks Ms. Badrinarayanan. "Hence, the
time-to-market factor will be crucial in planning the introduction of any new
technology."
Ensuring the compatibility of
cardiac imaging equipment with existing IT solutions in hospitals will also
prove vital for easy integration. As a result, sustaining product demand will
depend on including a digital workflow to optimise the cardiology data
management system (CDMS).
Forging new partnerships to
bundle their products and offer customers better products and services from the
same company will also be advantageous to manufacturers. For instance, by
striking alliances with smaller companies that manufacture systems such as
electrophysiology (EP) recorders, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can
offer customers a package of both the products, to gain a competitive edge in
the market.
For more details , contact :
Radhika Menon Theodore, Corporate Communications, at
rmtheodore@frost.com
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