Medical Imaging Markets: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and Ultrasound

The MRI market continues to grow despite the recession. With its ability to image both anatomically and functionally, MRI has found its way into surgical planning and navigation, as well as diffusion and perfusion imaging. It is being combined with other modalities to achieve new heights of image clarity. For instance, once considered unreliable in imaging cartilage, it is now being considered for assessing chondral damage and repair. Three dimensional (3D) MRI is sensitive enough to replace arthroscopy.

Kalorama Information's newly published Medical Imaging Markets: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and Ultrasound analyzes the current and potential world market and generally reviews the nature and direction of research for two key areas of imaging technology: Ultrasound and MRI. This comprehensive must-read report is full of key information and in-depth analysis that will help you understand today's market and identify opportunities for growth:

The report includes the following as part of its market coverage:

Current Market Size and Forecast for MRI Systems
Market Size and Forecasts for MRI Procedures
Installed Base of MRI Systems (Open, Closed, Low to Mid Field, High Field)
Estimated Cost of MRI Systems (Open, Closed, Low Field, Mid Field, High Field)
Regional Breakdown - US, Europe, Asia, and ROW
Major Trends Driving Growth
Review of Products on the Market
Profiles of Key Companies
Companies Profiled:

This report profiles the following companies in the MRI market:

Analogic
GE Healthcare
Hitachi Medical Systems
Philips
Siemens
Toshiba

Companies profiled in the ultrasound market include:

Aloka
Analogic
Esaote
GE Healthcare
Hitachi Medical Systems
Philips
Shimadzu
Siemens
SonoSite
Toshiba

MRI: Applications Drive Growth

MRI has been propelled by improved image quality, facilitated by higher field strength magnets and the development of new techniques for evaluating specific portions of the complex structures in the brain. More than two decades ago, when clinical MRI was in its early stages, it had serious limitations. The standard pulse sequence at that time was conventional spin echo (CSE). While a very robust method of imaging, and still the gold standard for image contrast in MRI, it suffered from excessively long scan times. Many thought MRI would never be suitable for very high spatial resolution or true dynamic imaging. But as MRI gained clinical acceptance, demand for the ability to image those areas that were previously deemed impossible has increased, with a strong emphasis on reducing acquisition times. The quest for faster imaging has been the impetus for the development of new sequences, improved coil design an d significant hardware advances.

This demand has led to new applications and markets for the modality and most of the significant hurdles have been overcome. With the advent of Gradient Echo, Fast Spin Echo and Echo Planar sequences, scan times have been reduced dramatically, making cardiac imaging possible. Over the last few of years, cardiac MRI has received new emphasis - diversifying from structural and simple qualitative functional imaging. Today the detail and accuracy of the cardiac MRI exam is such that it is now considered the gold standard for cardiac imaging.

Ultrasound Enjoys Popularity and Ubiquity in Healthcare Practice

Ultrasound continues to be a low-cost and effective imaging technology that can help radiologists and others gather significant clinical data about patients. Ultrasound is well suited to many patients. No other imaging option gives patients a real-time look at their anatomy on the monitor or openly encourages discussions with physicians about their symptoms and the evidence of disease. Ultrasound is safe, patient-friendly and inexpensive. The adoption of this modality by hospitals and other healthcare institutions has generated new market opportunities for manufacturers of ultrasound systems and suppliers of components. Ultrasound imaging systems have become commonplace in the offices of many cardiologists, obstetricians, surgeons, and urologists, among other specialists.

New applications, such as the use of ultrasound in administering emergency medicine, along with new hand-held portable systems, are helping to further fuel the marketplace for ultrasound technology. In addition, ultrasound systems attract users simply because of their emphasis on user-friendliness, compactness and mobility.

Our Methodology:

The information presented in this report is the result of data gathered from company product literature and other corporate brochures and documents, as well as information found in the scientific and trade press. In addition, interviews were conducted with company executives, clinicians and researchers.

More information:
 

http://www.bioportfolio.com/cgi-bin/acatalog/Medical-Imaging-Market-MRI-Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging-and-Ultrasound.html

About Kalorama Information
Kalorama Information, a division of MarketResearch, supplies the latest in independent market research for the life sciences. To view their catalogue go to:

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