Enter Your Email Address to Receive a
Copy of MedicExhange Member Demograhpics

The markets for women’s health imaging have been characterised by rapid technological change, frequent product introductions and evolving customer requirements.

The success of vendors will depend on their ability to enhance existing products and successfully develop novel offerings that meet changing customer demands and gain market acceptance.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, European Women’s Healthcare Imaging Markets, finds that the total market comprising mammography, bone densitometry, breast MRI , breast and ob/gyn ultrasound earned revenues of $1,224.5 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $1,655.6 million in 2016.

“The implementation and execution of screening programmes will augment the number of mammograms required,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Simone Carron. “This will be a key catalyst for the growth of the mammography market in Europe.”

The densitometry market is projected to be driven by the replacement of old axial DEXA systems that have completed a lifecycle of eight to ten years. The market will witness the replacement of bone densitometry systems in the short term.

The mammography systems market in Europe is at the beginning of a new cycle as analogue systems are being replaced by digital systems. Earlier, the replacement cycle of these systems was about eight to ten years, which was a challenge for digital solution vendors.

“With increasing awareness of the benefits of digital systems such as optimised work flow and image clarity, hospitals and screening centres are planning to replace their analog systems with digital systems,” remarks Carron. “Digital mandates in Europe are set to spur the uptake of digital systems.”

Consistent with Europe’s ageing population are menopausal problems, such as abnormal bleeding and osteoporosis. These are expected to be on the rise, impacting the obstetrics/gynaecology ultrasound and bone densitometry markets.

“However, financial shortfalls and suspended capital expenditure are delaying the purchase of equipment,” cautions Carron. “Furthermore, the low level or lack of reimbursement is deterring the adoption of densitometry systems as there is no incentive for the hospitals or physicians who purchase these systems.”

The key challenge faced by the industry is the lack of available capital for competing technologies such as digital solutions that require high initial investments. With the economy recovering and capital becoming available to potential buyers, the unit shipment volume is anticipated to gain momentum in 2011.

“Industry participants should negotiate and lobby with regional governments to implement screening programmes for breast cancer and osteoporosis,” advises Carron. “Negotiation for reimbursements for their respective markets is also essential. This, in turn, would benefit women who would otherwise be hesitant about getting a mammogram or bone scan done.”

Source: Frost & Sullivan