Mobile DR Market Growth

The mobile digital radiography (DR) segment is the largest segment by product type in the global digital mobile DR devices market, according to a recent market study by Future Market Insights.¹ The market was estimated to be valued at more than $2 billion in 2017, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7 percent over the forecast period. The mobile DR segment’s revenue in the global digital mobile DR devices market is expected to double by 2026. The report also stated that the mobile DR segment is projected to remain the most attractive in the global digital mobile X-ray devices market, with an attractiveness index of 1.8.

According to Future Market Insights, stringent regulations, costly clinical trials and inadequate imaging infrastructure in developing economies are likely to hinder the growth of this segment.¹ “The high cost associated with the clinical trial process has been preventing mobile X-ray device manufacturers to reach the stage of development, which is necessary to attract major original equipment manufacturers,” the report states. “In the case of diagnostic imaging equipment, clinical trials ideally should be conducted one year prior to the product launch. However, due to the regulatory restrictions, it has become difficult for manufacturers to conduct early stage trials and establish partnerships with local players. Stringent regulatory and product approval policies are expected to hinder the development of the mobile X-ray segment.”

The report goes on to state that the usage of medical imaging in the U.S. has increased dramatically over the last decade. Usage of diagnostic imaging devices has been the highest in the U.S. as compared to all Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member nations. “This has led to medical imaging emerging as the highest contributor to U.S. healthcare expenditure. As a result, certain reductions in Medicare payments have been observed in the last decade. Awareness of the superfluous usage of medical imaging has grown among physicians, and patients are increasingly becoming aware of the radiation hazards. Overall, the effect of these factors has been evident on the mobile DR device segment in the U.S. and thus, growth in the region has declined. Moreover, the U.S. is the trendsetter in major parts of the market, hence this effect could also trickle down to the other major markets,” according to the report.

As healthcare in the United States shifts focus to providing higher-quality care while keeping costs down, workflow efficiency is a guiding bedrock principle for providers. From this standpoint, few technologies have demonstrated greater promise for maximizing clinical and operational efficiency than mobile DR.

Role Reversal

Mobile DR systems allow technicians to bring the equipment to the patient, rather than having to bring the patient to the equipment. This can help save critical time for injured patients in reaching a diagnosis.

Designed for productivity and equipped with a choice of Canon digital flat panel detectors, the Canon RadPro Mobile 40kw Flex Plus portable X-ray system is like having a radiography room on wheels. Fast processing times make it easy to capture high-quality diagnostic images for routine diagnosis or trauma, and the system provides flexibility in patient positioning and the ability to manage or manipulate images at bedside.

GE Healthcare’s Optima XR240amx, introduced at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting last November, quickly transitions out of “stand-by” mode, allowing for exposures in 20 seconds, according to the company. When it’s not in use, its small footprint allows it to fit seamlessly into the background of the ER. With in-bin charging, the wireless detector battery charges while the system is on-the-go, and when it’s in standby mode or plugged in with system powered on.

Fujifilm Medical Systems U.S.A. Inc. displayed its FDR Go Plus version portable DR system at RSNA 2017. The new system features a sleek redesign continuing its signature smooth, quiet travel and compact tube head with a collapsible column for maximum visibility while traveling. The portable DR system also features an extra-large display for optimal preview at the bedside and agile maneuverability.

The Carestream DRX-Revolution Nano Mobile X-ray System, designed by Australia-based Micro-X Ltd, received the Good Design Award Best in Class in Product Design, which is one of the highest honors for design innovation in Australia. The awards are based on market success, excellence in architectural design, digital and communication design, business model innovation, social impact and design entrepreneurship. The Good Design Awards Jury commented that, “The design and engineering team has tackled a healthcare problem with an innovative and ground-breaking solution — rather than bringing a patient to the equipment, the equipment is brought to the patient. Simple idea but extremely difficult to execute. The end result is a revolutionary product where the benefits are huge: smaller footprint, lighter weight and greater maneuverability that saves space in hospitals, aids in patient comfort, and provides greater flexibility around mobile and field hospital solutions.”

The system uses carbon nanotube technology to deliver significantly reduced size and weight when compared to existing mobile digital X-ray systems. The ultra-lightweight design allows for easier positioning in cramped critical care areas such as the ICU and NICU.

Small Footprint

The Carestream DRX-Revolution Nano Mobile is scheduled for availability in the United States, Canada and Europe in the second quarter of 2018. It will be available in other countries as international regulatory approvals are completed. The DRX-Revolution Nano Mobile X-ray system is a lighter weight, non-motorized system that is easy to maneuver and position for patient imaging. It complements the Carestream DRX-Revolution Mobile X-ray system, which is designed to capture inpatient, outpatient and ER exams at facilities of all sizes.

Reference

1.    “Digital Mobile X-Ray Devices Market: Handheld Devices Segment Estimated to Register a High CAGR of 8.6% During the Forecast Period: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026,” https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/digital-mobile-x-ray-market