Bright Future for Ultrasound in Radiology
Date: 09 December 2011

Radiology has long been dominated by MRI and CT imaging, while ultrasound is overlooked except for established traditional ultrasound procedures. However, new advances in premium ultrasound technology suggest a brighter future for ultrasound in radiology. Ultrasound providers are pushing new innovations, widening the clinical scope and possibility. These developments were showcased at the recent Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2011 exhibition in Chicago, and are discussed by leading market research firm InMedica.

 

Exhibition Highlights

One such innovation that is generating interest in the radiology community is fusion imaging; combining real-time ultrasound scans with pre-taken MRI or CT images. This concept is not brand new. A number of the top ultrasound providers have systems offering this technology, for example GE Healthcare’s Logiq E9 and the iU22 system from Philips Healthcare.

 

At this year’s exhibition, a new generation of fusion technology was showcased. The latest premium ultrasound platform from Siemens Healthcare, the ACUSON S3000, uses “eSie Fusion Imaging” to automatically fuse together real-time ultrasound images with 3D CT volumes. The new Aplio 500 from Toshiba Medical Systems also uses “Smart Fusion”, displaying real-time 3D data sets from all imaging modalities beside the corresponding ultrasound image. A unique guidance system also simplifies navigation. The greatest improvements of these new systems are simplification, improving workflow and decreasing exam times.

 

A brand new technology also on show was “Fly Thru”, a feature also offered with Toshiba’s Aplio 500. This allows manual or automatic volume navigation through physiological cavities and vessels. The images provide greater anatomical detail of the internal features of the vessel, similar to virtual-reality endoscopy. A number of applications for this technology have already been highlighted. Yet, there could be greater potential for this technology in a number of other diagnostic radiological exams.

 

Market Impact

In 2010, InMedica estimated radiology to account for 33% of revenues in the Americas ultrasound market; projected to grow by 13% between 2010 and 2015. However, improved image quality, new innovations such as next generation fusion imaging and “Fly Thru”, and increased confidence in ultrasound technology, is stirring radiologist interest. Consequently, this growth rate could be even greater. Concerns regarding radiation dosage and the cost of MRI and CT will drive further interest in ultrasound technology.

 

“The challenge for ultrasound providers is ensuring clinical benefits are recognised by users”, commented Carly Reed, Market Analyst with InMedica. “Radiologists’ are still looking for a breakthrough in ultrasound technology that will limit their reliance on CT and MRI. Yet the next breakthrough may be subtler than many expect, such as workflow and automation software.”

 

Advanced ultrasound applications must be adapted for everyday use, with increased automated measurement and user friendly software. The newest generation of ultrasound system may be the first step in this process. If this trend continues, the future of ultrasound in radiology will be bright. 

Editors Note :

For more information please contact: Theo Ahadome, Analyst, InMedica theo.ahadome@in-medica.com T: +44 1933 402255

About InMedica :

InMedica is the brand name of IMS Research’s medical research group. We publish high quality, in-depth market research on Clinical Care Devices, Consumer Medical Devices, Medical Imaging & Healthcare IT and Telehealth. We offer our clients complete coverage of the global market, with dedicated reports on high growth regions, such as China, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. To find out more, contact InMedica: enquiries@in-medica.com; T: +44 (0) 1933 402255; www.in-medica.com Follow us on twitter @IMS_InMedica