European Flat-Panel Detector Markets Benefit from Digitisation

Business Wire, June 11, 2008

LONDON -- The present digitisation trend in Europe is promoting growth in the market for flat-panel detectors (FPDs). Superior image quality, low radiation exposure and enhanced workflow are some of the advantages of FPD-based imaging systems. The use of picture archiving and communication system (PACS) for picture archival systems and the adoption of healthcare IT solutions have also increased the demand for FPD-based systems in hospitals.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.medicalimaging.frost.com), European Markets for Flat-panel Detector for Medical Imaging Modalities, finds that the markets earned revenues of USD 73.4 million in 2007 and estimates this to reach USD 191.6 million in 2014.

"The market for FPDs in Europe is expanding," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Darshana De. "With the use of FPDs in advanced medical imaging modalities such as digital x-rays, mammography and FPD-based CT scanners, high-resolution x-ray images, which yield better clinical information, can be obtained."

The market is segmented according to the modality in which FPDs are used - radiology modalities, mammography modalities and computed tomography (CT) scanners - with varying growth patterns evident in each of these segments.

Radiology modalities cover systems that are used for digital radiology (DR), interventional radiology (IR) and fluoroscopy. Over the last few years, there has been a steady increase in the number of cardiac and coronary and musculoskeletal-related procedures being performed. As a result, the market for IR and radiology has been exhibiting moderate growth.

The growth in these segments has boosted the growth rate of the FPD market, as they are being used in radiology modalities for their superior imaging quality and better diagnostic information.

According to the European Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer (EPGBC), there are 269,570 new cases of breast cancer and 87,700 deaths due to breast cancer annually in the European Union. Consequently, the digital mammography market will maintain steady growth, which, in turn, will support the FPD market in this segment in registering moderate growth in the future.

The CT market segment related to the FPD is waiting to undergo a sea change with the invention of the c-arm flat-panel detectors CT scanners. Currently, the FPD-CT scanners have limited clinical application such as the detection of bone density. It will however take a few more years before penetration into almost all clinical applications can be achieved. Until then, market scope remains limited.

Despite these factors, the lack of reimbursement for detectors and the high prices associated with FPD may limit market growth.

"Industry participants feel that the prices of FPDs are quite high when compared to the medical imaging modalities into which they are incorporated," explains De. "Over the last couple of years prices have remained steady and market participants have indicated that if prices do not fall, then the FPD market may face competition from cheaper technology."

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users and other industry participants with an overview of the European FPD markets for medical imaging modalities, then send an e-mail to Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications, at pcairns_pr@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

European Markets for Flat-panel Detector for Medical Imaging Modalities is part of the Medical Imaging Growth Partnership Service Programme, which also includes research in the following markets: European Market for Computer-Aided Detection; European Market for Ultrasound; European Molecular Imaging Market; and European Mobile Imaging Services Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's TEAM Research, Growth Consulting and Growth Team Membership[TM] empower clients to create a growth-focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents. For more information about Frost & Sullivan's Growth Partnerships, visit http://www.frost.com.

European Markets for Flat-panel Detector for Medical Imaging Modalities

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