Compact ultrasound to boost market to US$5 billion by 2008
5 June 2007 Wellingborough, UK. The world market for ultrasound imaging
equipment will pass US$5 billion by 2008 and reach US$5.7 billion by 2010
according to InMedica’s latest ultrasound imaging equipment report.
The growth is being driven by the miniaturisation of ultrasound equipment
and the development of new applications. This ‘compact revolution’ is also
driving additional growth in ultrasound's traditional markets such as
cardiology and obstetrics and gynaecology.
“There is a clear trend towards miniaturisation in the ultrasound
industry being driven by several manufacturers”, reports Diane Wilkinson,
Market Research Analyst.
“This equipment is being used by an increasing number of physicians
beyond the traditional applications, in areas such as emergency medicine and
anaesthesiology.
"Both hand-carried and portable ultrasound are out-performing the
cart-based segments of the market, and by a considerable margin. Of the
cart-based sector, it is only the mid-range segment of the market that is
presenting significant growth.
"Increased functionality and picture quality in a price sensitive market
have contributed to the mid-range segment showing strongest growth for
cart-based systems. With image quality comparable to high-end systems at
much lower prices, a top-down shift in the product mix is being created,
away from premium and high-end systems”, commented Miss Wilkinson.
Opportunities for growth There are further opportunities for growth in
the ultrasound imaging equipment market in the rapidly developing economies
of the world, most notably China, India and Russia.
Moreover, the cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and flexibility of
ultrasound have contributed to its rising favourability in comparison to
other imaging modalities in price-sensitive markets.
In an environment where the cost of healthcare is out pacing government
healthcare spending, there is an ongoing change in the way that ultrasound
is being used, not only in hospitals but also in clinics and private
practices. The market share for procedural, diagnostic and physical
examinations that include ultrasound are increasing. To top
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