The ageing population and the increased prevalence of COPD are the most common contributors to the increase in the number of patients receiving long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT ).  With the increasing number of ambulatory patients requiring portable solutions, there is an increased demand for portable solutions. Patients are now becoming more involved in the decision-making process and are starting to demand better products, generally to improve how they live. The practice of providing long-term oxygen therapy is improving and increasing the quality of patient care.  As the market moves to a “non-delivery” mode of home oxygen therapy provision, increased demand for portable ambulatory products is expected.  A new report from InMedica (www.in-medica.com) predicts that the world market for oxygen therapy devices will be worth more than $1.1 billion by 2015.

Fujifilms’s acquisition today of Sonosite Inc,  the Seattle based compact ultrasound provider for $1 billion, signals an increasingly competitive battle for global ultrasound market share. The deal means that another major force has entered the ultrasound arena, following the entry of Samsung Electronics in mid-2011, and may signal Fujifilm’s intent to move deeper into medical imaging.  

Observations from RSNA 2011

Radiology has long been dominated by MRI and CT imaging, while ultrasound is overlooked except for established traditional ultrasound procedures. However, new advances in premium ultrasound technology suggest a brighter future for ultrasound in radiology. Ultrasound providers are pushing new innovations, widening the clinical scope and possibility. These developments were showcased at the recent Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2011 exhibition in Chicago, and are discussed by leading market research firm InMedica.

With a global revenue forecast of $990 million by 2015 (InMedica) the Telehealth market is already attracting a host of suppliers and innovators at various points in the value chain. In a new whitepaper, “Competitive Dynamics in the Global Telehealth Market – 2011 to 2020”, InMedica assesses the current telehealth ecosystem and forecasts how it will change over the next ten years. 

Compact imaging systems are essential for the development and provision of basic healthcare services in remote parts of Latin America. In rural areas, such as Northern Brazil, poor availability of hospitals and physicians means doctors must travel between different regions daily. Consequently, demand for lightweight, portable systems is increasing, allowing doctors to easily transport systems between community healthcare centres. Subsequently, revenues for compact ultrasound equipment are forecast to reach approximately $75 million by 2015. This is according to a new study by InMedica, “The Latin American Market for Ultrasound Imaging Equipment – 2011”.

With decreasing healthcare reimbursement and increasing economic uncertainty, there is a growing trend for hospitals to opt for a zero capital expenditure, managed service approach to PACS purchasing. Managed service business models accounted for 16.9% of global PACS revenues in 2010 and are forecast to grow to as much 31.4% in 2014. This is according to a new series of reports from InMedica, “The World Market for PACS, RIS and CVIS – 2011“

With increasing pressure on governments to improve the quality of care, whilst reducing the burden of healthcare funding, hospitals are seeking more cost effective solutions. Increasingly, these include reducing hospital visits through outpatient and home-care solutions. InMedica analyses the impact of this trend  on the infusion pump market in the new report “The World Market for Infusion Pumps and Accessories – 2011 Edition”.

Innovative compact systems and new clinical applications have broadened the spectrum of ultrasound use and topped industry headlines recently. Yet in 2010, more than 76% of ultrasound systems were sold into three core applications; radiology, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and cardiology, according to InMedica’s most recent world market report. So are manufacturers focusing enough on development and innovation for the majority of users?

Over the past ten years, Computed Tomography (CT) vendors have been in a fierce race to capitalise on the trend for multi-slice CT equipment. However, in the last three years, increasing concerns over radiation exposure from CT examinations have driven a focus on dose-reduction, and CT product development has followed suit.

Market growth of over 12% in the Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa region was one of the key factors driving global ultrasound market recovery in 2010, according to a new study by InMedica, “The World Market for Ultrasound Imaging Equipment – 2011 Edition”.