March 15, 2011 – According to a new report by iData Research, the U.S. breast imaging and mammography markets are expected to recover from the economic recession and almost double in value by 2017, reaching more than $1 billion.
Growth will be driven by the replacement of older analog mammography equipment by new technologies, such as digital radiography, breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI), positron emission mammography (PEM) and ultrasound equipment. Adoption of these technologies will drive the overall women's health market.
Hologic and GE lead the overall women's health market due to sales of digital radiography (DR) equipment, which allows mammography images to be stored and distributed electronically to different specialists.
"Digital mammography systems are more accurate, rapid and easier-to-use than traditional analog systems," said Kamran Zamanian, CEO of iData. "The majority of analog units used in 2010 are expected to be replaced by 2017. As well, the development of BSGI by Dilon Technologies and Gamma Medica, and PEM by Naviscan has created new markets for breast scans. These technologies will experience rapid growth, as they may be used for patients who cannot receive a breast MRI and are less expensive than MRI systems."
In addition, the female sterilization market will see double-digit growth due to the adoption of transcervical sterilization, a nonsurgical procedure that can be performed in a physician's office. Transcervical sterilization will account for almost 99 percent of the female sterilization market by 2017 with Conceptus and Hologic competing in this lucrative segment.
Pelvic floor repair kits are also expected to see steady growth, as they are the only nonsurgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse. American Medical Systems, Boston Scientific and Bard offer competing kits in this market.
iData's three-report series on the U.S., European and Asia-Pacific "Markets for Women's Health Devices 2011" includes the latest data, market analyses and competitor profiles for more than 56 market segments.
For more information: www.idataresearch.net