MRI and CT procedure volume will grow to nearly 45 million in 2000, an increase of 15% for CT and 20% for MRI compared with 1998, according to market research firm Technology Marketing Group.
New imaging applications, continued diffusion of existing applications to less-served markets, and further integration of the technologies into clinical standards of practice point to a bright future for the modalities, according to TMG general manager Mitch Goldburgh. Continued displacement of more expensive and invasive procedures also benefit MRI and CT's prospects.
In a trend reflective of previous years, 89% of CT procedures involve the head, neck, pelvis, abdomen, chest, or spine. Guided procedures generate only 5% of CT studies, but 62% of CT sites perform these procedures. The portion of sites that perform vascular and/or cardiac studies has also increased, according to the Des Plaines, IL-based firm.
Head, neck, spine, and extremity imaging continue to account for most MRI procedures, with 85% of studies coming from these applications.
Of the 10,000 sites surveyed by TMG, one-third of CT sites and one-quarter of MRI sites plan to buy new units during the next three years. Spiral/helical capability and multislice detector systems are major factors in CT purchasing decisions, while open-bore systems are important to many MRI purchasers, according to TMG.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
March 9, 2000
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