Research Overview
Mobile Medical Imaging: Growth on the Fast Track
The increasing demand for digitisation among hospitals and outreach
facilities coupled with the high price of imaging equipment has set the European
mobile medical imaging industry on the road to success. There is a great demand
for state-of-the-art mobile equipment in the emergency room, out patient
department and the operation theatre. In order to remain at the forefront of the
mobile imaging market, providers must emphasise unique features such as ease of
use, better manoeuvrability, ergonomics and quality of the equipment to appeal
to customers. With the increase in procedure volumes and the application range,
mobile imaging equipment is set to move from mere diagnosis towards biopsies and
surgeries.
This Frost & Sullivan research offers an in-depth analysis of
the mobile medical imaging industry in Europe. It provides key drivers and
restraints along with the challenges for various medical imaging equipment and
strategies to overcome them. This study also explores the future trends and
opportunities in the market.
Expensive Static Modalities Create Opportunities for Mobile Imaging
Equipment
Mobile equipment is gaining prominence in the field of computed tomography
(CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET).
"Many small and medium size hospitals that do not have the scale or
financial resources to purchase the static CT, MRI and PET modalities look out
for the mobile imaging service providers that provide equipment on hire,"
says the analyst. With replacement times ranging up to one week, mobile CT, MRI
and PET equipment are ideal short-term replacement solutions for hospitals.
Mobile
imaging equipment, which are transferable from one hospital to another in a
specially designed trailer or a truck also show immense potential. A major
concern in shifting a mobile PET scanner is the fluorine-18 deoxyglucose (FDG)
imaging agent, which has a half-life of two hours thereby, restricting long
distance travels. Companies must develop means to either store or manufacture
the FDG imaging agent within the proximity of the application site.
Enhanced Technology with Improved Features Drives the Market
"In addition to the mobility aspect, hospitals prefer equipment that
incorporates innovative features and the latest technology for improving the
accuracy of their diagnosis and increasing patient throughput," explains
the analyst. Introduction of a digital flat detector instead of the conventional
image intensifier tube and launch of 3D interoperability features are expected
to drive the mobile C arms market.
Mobile imaging equipment service providers
must strive to achieve a balance between image quality, mobility and price in
order to satisfy a wider range of applications. For example, though weight is a
critical feature in mobile ultrasound equipment, providers must reduce the
dimensions while maintaining image quality and the basic features.
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