LONDON, England, December 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Strong growth in the
OB/GYN and interventional ultrasound segments are driving the expansion of
the overall European ultrasound market. Advances in 3D and 4D imaging
capabilities, as well as the large-scale use of ultrasound systems in
private clinics are facilitating this growth. Developments in transducer
technology and computer-aided diagnosis software will further enhance the
potential for ultrasound as a critical tool in imaging the human body.
Newer technologies such as elastography also hold promise for revenue
augmentation.
    Frost & Sullivan (http://www.medicalimaging.frost.com) estimates that
the European Ultrasound Markets will earn revenues of $719.0 million in
2006 and reach $1063.3 million in 2013.
    "Advances in 3D and 4D imaging capabilities, the use of ultrasound
contrast media and the increasing deployment of ultrasound for breast
imaging will enhance the growth of the European ultrasound market," notes
Frost & Sullivan Medical Imaging Team Leader, Karthik Arun B. "The OB/GYN
ultrasound segment and the 'other' ultrasound segment (comprising hand
carried ultrasound and interventional ultrasound) will be the fastest
growing in the total European ultrasound market."
    Technological improvements in 3D and 4D imaging capabilities have
reduced the scan-time for most ultrasound procedures, thus improving
workflow. Developments in ultrasound contrast media and their increasing
use have greatly increased the potential for their use in diagnostic
imaging as well as in interventional procedures.
    "Breast ultrasound is also gaining popularity as a tool in early
screening to detect breast abnormalities without compromising patient
safety in terms of radiation dosage," adds Mr. Karthik. "Greater use of
ultrasound for breast imaging, coupled with consumer driven demand for
foetal 3D imaging, will ensure healthy growth rates for the ultrasound
market in the OB/GYN segment."
    However, the market for radiology ultrasound - the largest segment -
will exhibit only marginal growth as a result of its market reaching
saturation and ultrasound systems being used increasingly in non-radiology
set ups. Moreover, intensifying demand for technologically superior
products at lower cost is placing immense pressure on participants to price
their products competitively, while trying to maintain sustainable profit
margins. Competition from modalities such as MRI and the issue of data
volume management pose significant challenges to market growth.
    "Saturation of the core radiology market means that the largest segment
in the market will grow much slower than other segments, thus retarding
overall expansion," explains Mr. Karthik. "In many countries, users are
initially hesitant to adopt new technology and when they do, attempt to get
the latest technology at a low cost. This, together with the lack of
reimbursement for some ultrasound procedures will limit market
development."
    As there is an increase in use of ultrasound systems outside the
radiology department, market participants will need to focus on developing
training programmes for users. Participants will need to push for
regulatory mandates for new ultrasound applications in order to support
their rapid penetration and uptake. Continuous developments in ultrasound
technology will also ensure the superiority of this modality over other
technologies.
    If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides
manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview
of the latest analysis of the European Ultrasound Market (H036 - 50) then
send an e-mail to Radhika Menon Theodore - Corporate Communications at
rmtheodore@frost.com with the following information: your full name,
company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, state, and
country. We will send you the information via email upon receipt of the
above information.
    European Ultrasound Market is part of the Medical Imaging Subscription,
which also includes research in the following markets: European Medical
Imaging Markets in Cardiology, 3D and 4D Imaging Markets in Europe and
European Markets for Key Medical Imaging Modalities. All research included
in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends
that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market
participants. Interviews with the press are available.
    Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been
partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies
for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth
consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training
to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive
clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the
investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that
reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of
markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more
information, visit http://www.frost.com.
    Keywords in this release: OB/GYN, ultrasound market, European
ultrasound market, Europe, 3D imaging, 4D imaging, ultrasound systems,
private clinics, transducer technology, computer-aided diagnosis software,
human body, imaging, elastography, ultrasound contrast media, breast
imaging, OB/GYN ultrasound segment, hand carried ultrasound, interventional
ultrasound, ultrasound procedures, diagnostic imaging, interventional
procedures, breast ultrasound, early screening, breast abnormalities,
patient safety, radiation dosage, foetal 3D imaging radiology ultrasound,
MRI, data volume management, radiology market, reimbursement, radiology
department, ultrasound applications, ultrasound technology
    Contact:

    Radhika Menon Theodore
    Corporate Communications - Europe
    P: +91-44-42044541
    F: +91-44-24314264
    E: rmtheodore@frost.com

    Melina Trevino
    Corporate Communications - Americas
    P: +1-210-247-2440
    F: +1-210-348-1003
    E: melina.trevino@frost.com

    Nimisha Iyer
    Corporate Communications - India
    P: +91-22- 40013431
    F: +91-22-2832 4713
    E: niyer@frost.com

    Jasminder Kaur
    Corporate Communications - Asia Pacific
    P: +65-68900937
    E: jkaur@frost.com

    Sharmin Jassal
    Corporate Communications - Australia
    P: +61-2-8247-8900
    F: +61-2 9252-8066
    E: sjassal@frost.com

    http://www.frost.com

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