Ultrasound equipment market demand still has huge technological development potential

Business Club August 19th It is estimated that from 2008 to 2015, the global market share of imaging diagnostic equipment will increase at an average annual rate of 5.7%, and the main factor for growth is the expanding market demand for ultrasound equipment.

As people pay more and more attention to the prevention of chronic diseases, the market size of global imaging diagnostic equipment is also expanding. From 2000 to 2008, the market share of video equipment increased at an average annual rate of 4.8%. In 2008, the global market share of video equipment reached US$14.7 billion.

X-ray systems, one of the main products in imaging equipment, have huge market prospects in some emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil. In addition, the global market for ultrasound equipment continues to expand with the development of technology. It is expected that the global market share of imaging diagnostic equipment will increase at an average annual rate of 5.7% from 2008 to 2015. The main factor for this market growth is the expanding market demand for ultrasound equipment. According to the report of the GlobalData Research Institute, with the promotion of breast and cervical cancer detection and cardiovascular imaging applications, the global market share of ultrasound equipment will increase at an average annual rate of 7.3% from 2008 to 2015, and it will reach 52 in 2015. One hundred million U.S. dollars.

Video equipment market trends

From 2001 to 2008, the global market share of more mature ultrasound systems grew at an average annual rate of 5.1%. The main reason for the rapid growth was the demand promotion of most medical institutions. In addition, this kind of equipment is relatively low cost compared to some other imaging equipment, even if it is for some small medical institutions, it also has purchasing power. It is expected that from 2008 to 2015, as the ultrasound system presents product diversification (such as portable and portable lightweight devices) and application technology, its global market share will grow at an average annual rate of 7.2% (see attached table).

From 2001 to 2008, the annual growth rate of X-ray systems and computed tomography scan systems (CT) was low. As its market scale has matured and matured on a technical level, it is expected that the average annual growth rate will be lower. Looking ahead, it is expected that venture capital companies will reduce their investment in this market, and they will be at a lower level in terms of technological innovation than other types of diagnostic imaging equipment.

From 2001 to 2008, compared with X-ray systems and ultrasound equipment, the annual growth rate of mammography equipment and nuclear imaging equipment in the global market was relatively low, only 4.1%. However, with the increase in the incidence of breast cancer worldwide and the continuous development of nuclear imaging technology, it is expected that the global market share of these two types of equipment will increase at an annual rate of 6.9% in the next few years (see attached table).

From 2001 to 2008, the global market share of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems grew at an average annual rate of over 6.6% (see attached table). The main reason for the high growth of this kind of equipment is the development of technologies in this area (such as the advent of 3T MRI. ), as well as the application of a large number of disease diagnoses. However, due to the high cost of this equipment and the impact of the global economic crisis on the medical device industry, it is expected that the global market growth rate of such devices will decrease slightly (around 6.1%).

CT: potency is better

GE Healthcare, Siemens Medical Systems Group and Philips Medical Systems are the "leaders" of the global diagnostic imaging equipment market, which together account for 69% of the global market share. In 2007, GE Healthcare Group occupied the world's 26.1% market share of diagnostic imaging equipment, ranking first; followed by Siemens Medical Systems Group and Philips Medical Systems, respectively occupying 21.7% and 21.2% of the market share.

The computer tomography (CT) market has always been a concern for companies. With the replacement and expansion of the scope of application, there are more and more indications that it is expected to replace some of the more invasive diagnostic procedures and become the means of most disease diagnosis. For example, CT can replace angiography to detect coronary artery disease.

In addition to the advantages of less invasiveness, due to the improvement of CT technology, it will quickly become a means of detecting lower-cost and better-effects in the detection of cardiovascular diseases.

Magnetic resonance: 3T boosts diagnostics

At present, the main trend of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology is to shift from 1.5T to 3T high field strength. The 3T field-strength magnetic resonance scan will scan higher resolution images in shorter time. In addition, it can also provide scanning imaging solutions (such as claustrophobia patients) for all types of patients, thereby increasing the scope of application of magnetic resonance imaging systems. However, the use of the 3T magnetic resonance imaging system also has some inherent disadvantages, such as an increase in the specific absorption rate (SAR).

The development of 3T magnetic resonance imaging technology will bring tremendous impetus to the study of musculoskeletal, neurological, and breast imaging in the future. Because the advantages and disadvantages of 1.5T and 3T magnetic resonance imaging systems are different, their use groups are also different. Smaller hospitals and testing centers will choose to purchase 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging systems from a cost and time perspective. Larger hospitals and testing centers will be equipped with abundant funds and sufficient technical personnel. 3T magnetic resonance imaging system.

At present, Philips Medical Systems has proposed a new model to use its Achieva XR magnetic resonance imaging system in medical institutions. After the staff is familiar with the system, the 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging system can be upgraded to 3T. Magnetic resonance imaging system, this new model not only greatly reduces the installation cost of medical institutions, but also shortens the learning curve of technicians.

Cancer diagnosis presents great opportunities

In diagnostic imaging devices, all imaging devices can diagnose breast cancer. From ultrasound diagnosis, gamma imaging diagnosis (BSGI) to magnetic resonance imaging scan, at present, the specialized breast cancer diagnostic imaging equipment on the market is still in a state of deficiency, ie, the mammary imaging workflow of imaging equipment is still immature, various types of R&D and production diagnosis. Imaging equipment companies want to occupy the breast cancer diagnosis market.

In recent years, due to the rising number of cancer deaths worldwide and the rejuvenation of cancer rates, the market for cancer diagnostic equipment has continued to expand. Countries around the world are scrambling to develop cancer-related diagnostic scanning equipment in order to achieve this potential. The market takes the initiative.