With the 20th century now part of the history books, it’s a good time to look ahead at selected emerging trends and opportunities in the medical imaging and closely related medical devices markets.
Brain Mapping
The 1990s were declared the “Decade of the Brain.” We discovered how complex and challenging the diseases are that occur in this organ, so “Brain, Part II” is this century’s first re-run.
Significant healthcare costs are tied to brain related events, diseases and causes, including stroke, dementias, tumors, disabilities, learning and cognitive process development. The Human Brain Project has marshalled Federal funding in a means to leverage substantial research programs, and this process is beginning to yield advances in it’s fifth year of operation. The process has resulted in the development of neuroscience teams comprised of neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists, all combining unique knowledge sets to develop and deliver new diagnostic and treatment methods. Their tools include leading-edge MRI (functional MRI, image- guided procedures, 3T systems), PET, EEG and MSI modalities. Genetic science, drugs and interventional devices also are assisting with developments in this field.
There are no clear leaders in this field, with diagnostic and device companies spread thin in this area.
MRI
MRI’s unique ability to provide soft tissue discrimination features has resulted in continued growth in procedure volume. MRI research funds and opportunities have attracted a large number of M.D. and Ph.D. physicists and scientists to extend the capabilities of this modality.
The market for traditional 1.5T scanners is well established, but the spotlight now shines on the following market drivers:
- Open MRI-guided surgical and biopsy procedures
- Fast acquisition protocols (cardiac MR)
- MR Spectroscopy for cellular research
- Functional MRI for brain mapping and activation studies
- 3T/4T high-field strength scanners for the latest research and emerging clinical applications
The rapid growth in open MRI systems has plateaued, but these devices now are a permanent part of the imaging asset base, found on almost every street corner in America.
Computer-Assisted Diagnostics and 3D Imaging
The opportunity with CAD and 3D is to supplement the traditional visual assessment of 2D images with computer-based analysis systems. While these systems have been promoted for years, the applications are now providing useful tools capable of improving the work of M.D.s.
3D systems are finding applications in surgical planning, radiation therapy planning and dynamic studies of the heart, brain and joints. Vital Images has been joined by several other firms to broaden the current market base.
Quantitative image analysis systems employ image segmentation, edge detection and pattern recognition techniques to assist radiologists and cardiologists. The subjective visual analysis skills are supplemented with algorithm-based analysis, providing reproducible results and able to detect small changes in serial studies. R2 Technology has arrived first with FDA approved products, and may be joined soon by others in the pipeline.
Image-Guided Procedures
A short look back at 1992’s introduction of prone-breast biopsy tables by Fischer Imaging and Trex/Lorad demonstrates a highly successful product category that merged diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
Further examples of product opportunities that merge imaging and procedural technologies include:
- MRI-guided biopsies of the head, neck, breast and spine
- X-ray-guided minimally invasive spine and cardiac procedures
- Minimally invasive procedures of all types
Technology remains the single most important driver in healthcare markets, enabling the development and deployment of life-enhancing and cost-effective healthcare delivery. And today luminaries and vendors are working side by side to push 21st technology even further. 
Doug Orr, president of J&M Group (Ridgefield, Conn.), consults with medical device companies in strategy and business development for emerging growth markets, notably radiology and cardiology. Comments and suggestions can be sent to [email protected].
