The global interventional x-ray market is expected to grow 50% by 2017, according to a new report from InMedica, the medical research division of IMS Research.
Interventional x-ray is divided into two separate markets: interventional radiology and interventional cardiology. Together these segments produced annual global revenues for x-ray systems of 1.35 billion euros ($1.79 billion U.S.) in 2012.
But the high-cost of interventional x-ray, declining procedure volumes, and limited number of interventional specialists have slowed demand, with global revenue growth predicted to be less than 1% in 2013, according to InMedica.
Manufacturers are developing combined radiology and cardiology interventional x-ray systems in hopes of increasing use and lowering cost of ownership. Demand for these types of systems has been especially strong in China and Brazil, InMedica found. Combination systems are expected to show annual growth of between 8% and 10% over the next five years.
Hybrid operating room interventional x-ray systems could also boost market growth, InMedica said. These systems allow surgeons to perform procedures such as heart valve replacements using interventional imaging for guidance, which improves patient outcomes and lowers the risk of infection. InMedica predicts demand for these systems will be strongest in 2015.
