More than three-quarters of interventional angiography labs in the U.S. have implemented a filmless approach to imaging, according to a recent study published by market research and consulting firm IMV Medical Information Division. The firm points to data showing a precipitous decline in the percentage of the angiography installed base with puck film changers (which capture images on film) from 80% in 1995 to its current level of 23%, according to the Des Plaines, IL-based company.
Along with the adoption of digital technology to increase department efficiency, the procedure mix has shifted to include a broader variety of both non-cardiac angiography and non-angiographic procedures, according to IMV.
In its 2002 census of angio labs, the firm reported that the total number of non-cardiac angio procedures performed has remained relatively constant at 2.5 million, while the volume of fluoroscopic and non-angiographic procedures (including drainage procedures, biopsies, PICC line placement, and nephrostomies) has increased.
In addition, the company’s survey found that non-cardiac angio procedures include an increasing variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as angioplasties, vascular access, stent placements, thrombolytic therapy, IVC filter placements, and embolization. In these angio labs, radiology continues to be the primary specialty, with more than 90% of the departments administered by radiology, special procedures, or interventional radiology, IMV said.
The IMV census profiles 1,242 sites in the U.S., which represents 80% of the 1,554 identified facilities with 150+ beds performing interventional angiography procedures, where at least 50% of the total lab volume are non-cardiac angiography procedures.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersJuly 3, 2003
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