Strategic Analysis of the Image-Guided and Robot-Assisted Surgery Markets in Europe

Research Overview

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery Facilitate Market for Image-Guided and Robot-Assisted Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is rapidly gaining a strong foothold in Europe, as growing technological advancements and an increasing range of applications are inciting interest within the healthcare community. Highly advanced image-guided surgery (IGS) and robot-assisted surgery (RAS) products enable higher accuracy and precision, minimise errors and offer superior control to surgeons. These procedures also lead to a remarkable drop in patient discomfort and enable faster recovery due to minimal incision made during surgery.

This Frost & Sullivan Strategic Analysis studies the IGS and RAS markets in Europe under various segments such as the neurological, ENT, orthopaedic and other surgical applications. The research service provides a comprehensive overview on vital market trends, drivers, restraints and challenges. This information is expected to aid industry participants in accurately identifying and effectively capitalising on available opportunities and avenues for market penetration and growth.

High Installation and Capital Equipment Costs Stall Deployment

Participants are aware of the immense potential for image-guided and robot-assisted equipment and software, particularly in orthopaedics. However, healthcare institutions expect upgrades to be free of cost due to the exorbitant initial capital investment involved. The end users also prefer open platforms that facilitate integration of products from various manufacturers into a single system.

"Offering better value for money in terms of investment as opposed to outcome is an option for overcoming the problems posed by high costs," says the analyst of this research. "The innovation and integration of technology, treatments and applications, along with increase in the clinical trials being performed are some effective solutions."

Advanced Surgical Outcomes Benefit Physicians and Patients Enormously

With three-dimensional navigation ability, IGS and RAS methods aid surgeons by providing better quality images that can be manipulated and shifted. Besides reducing time for surgical procedures, these systems are also user-friendly. Robotic assistants profit institutions by freeing staff to focus on other demanding tasks. Cost efficiency and streamlining of procedures due to MIS technology are beneficial especially since most hospitals operate on stringent budgets.

"The improved surgical outcomes include shorter operation time, less invasion into the body and quicker recovery time," says the analyst. "Patients who cannot undergo large surgeries may be able to withstand smaller, less invasive and more precise ones with the help of IGS."