Market Projections for Medical Imaging Industry
November 12, 2008
by Becky Jacoby, Reporter
Global Industry Analysts has released its projections for the Medical Imaging Industry.

 Forecasts show:

Medical ultrasound equipment services: $6.2 billion by 2012
Boosting growth opportunities are product innovation and technological advancements such as 3D and 4D. Miniaturization of ultrasound devices and continued incorporation of system electronics into ultrasound technology is another visible trend in the market. The portable ultrasound equipment market should grow rapidly. Cardiology ultrasound equipment represents the fastest growing end use segment driven by the need for replacing aging equipment and upgrading of the equipment to new advanced technologies.

3D Medical imaging market: $3.9 billion by 2012
A principal factor driving growth in 3D medical imaging is technological advancement in modalities with accurate visualization techniques, particularly for PC-based workstations. A person suffering from a trauma can be imaged with the help of CT scanner, while breast cancer, for example, can be identified with techniques such as ultrasound and mammography. The U.S. represents 34.6 percent market share, but MRI, CT and Ultrasound are forecasted for impressive growth.

Medical imaging equipment services: $9.3 billion by 2012
A declining economy and medical spending cuts continue to pressure this market, particularly with service and maintenance contracts; yet, downtime risk portends revenue loss. Service providers are forced to adopt new survival strategies. Price competition has had a severe effect on the medical imaging equipment service providers, particularly independent service organizations, which are acquisition targets for large OEMs. The U.S. holds 47 percent of the market with Asia-Pacific growing fast. Germany has the largest European market share with Spain expanding. Leaders are GE Healthcare, Hitachi Medical Corporation, Siemens Healthcare, Philips Medical Systems and Toshiba Medical Systems.

Mammography equipment services: $1.1 billion by 2015
Global screening standards for incidences of breast cancer influence market growth. The U.S. and Europe account for 80% share. Digital equipment, using thermal mapping and optical imaging, is expected to show most growth. The mammography equipment market is concentrated and dominated by leading players such as GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation and Hologic, Inc.

Neurostimulation market: $5.2 billion by 2012
Advances in technology for quality of life implantable devices and rising consumer awareness of diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's impact this market. Influx of new players is giving rise to increased investments and research and developments with insurance companies wondering about reimbursement activity. The U.S. ranks highest with greater than a 75 percent share to date. Leading players are Boston Scientific Corporation; St. Jude Medical, Inc.; and Northstar Neuroscience, Inc.

Worldwide installed base of CT scanners: +88K units by 2015
Hybrid scanners comprising PET and CT image capabilities are the trend, but a modest growth rate is expected for multi-slice computed tomography scanners. The market is declining for single slice CT scanners where pricing alone seems to determine competition. The U.S., Europe and Japan account for 85 percent. Market leaders are GE, Siemens, Toshiba and Philips.

Chemistry analyzers and reagents: $5.7 billion by 2012
Diagnostic testing influencers are technology and efficiency, related to investments in laboratory equipment for clinical chemistry analyzers and reagents. Protocols must simplify workflow, enhance quality and accuracy, and be automated and user-friendly despite increased volume and early diagnosis demands. The U.S. and Europe hold 71 percent share with Asia-Pacific touted as emerging.

Fluoroscopy and mobile C-arms: +9.6K units by 2012
Growth for this market is crawling but less-so in developing countries. Replacement sales, especially in developed countries comprise the market. Mobile C-arms represent 54 percent of this market as physicians require real-time images of the body internally. Ever-changing technology affects this market where GE Healthcare and Philips Medical Systems are key players.

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