Both Surgeons and Patients Take to IGS Systems and MIS Procedures for their Technological and Cost Advantages

Business Wire, July 11, 2007

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c62330) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report: European Markets for Image Guided Surgery and Surgical Navigation to their offering.

This Frost & Sullivan research titled European Markets for Image Guided Surgical Devices provides an overview of advances in the image guiding technologies and revenues of the current segments along with a complete analysis of key market drivers, restraints and trends.

Surgeons Find Image Guided Surgical Devices Eminently Suited for Surgeries on Delicate Structures

As minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) gradually phase out open invasive surgeries, image guided surgical (IGS) systems will experience greater uptake among surgeons. These devices provide surgeons an unbeatable advantage by aiding real-time navigation and offering a 3D virtual representation of a specific organ. IGS systems include fibre optic guides, internal video cameras, endoscopes and ultrasonography to track the surgical instruments inside the human body during surgery. IGS systems employ high-performance computing systems, image-processing algorithms, display techniques and interactive visualisation. They can be used along with surgical instrumentation trackers to manoeuvre the surgical instruments.

Since precision is paramount during surgeries on delicate organs such as the brain and spine, surgeons are likely to find IGS devices vital. These gadgets can track surgical instruments within one millimetre of the IGS system, thus improving efficiency of the procedure and avoiding damage to normal tissues. "Although IGS systems were initially used only in neurological, spinal and ENT applications, they were recently adopted by the orthopaedic speciality, which has become the fastest growing segment," says the analyst of this research service. In future, these systems are expected to be used in other specialties such as cardiology and general surgery, which will help drive up sales volume.

Both Surgeons and Patients Take to IGS Systems and MIS Procedures for their Technological and Cost Advantages

With patients increasingly opting for the more cost-effective MIS and consequently compelling physicians to invest in IGS systems, the market is fast realising its potential. Not only are MIS faster than traditional open surgeries, they also involve shorter hospital stays and faster recovery. "Less debilitating post-operative effects and shorter recuperation time enhance the adoption of these systems," asserts the analyst.

Reacting to the surge in demand, manufacturers are working on offering more sophisticated, efficient and faster IGS devices. "Companies are focussing on developing instruments that take less time for registration, as the process of registration of surgical instruments with the previously taken images consumes the maximum time, hence extending the total duration of the surgery," notes the analyst. Manufacturers are also considering improvements in areas such as optical and electromagnetic tracking systems. Greater investment of time and resources in R&D will foster further advancements in IGS systems.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c62330