WinterGreen Research announces that it has published a new study Computed Tomography (CT) Market Shares, Strategy, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2013 to 2018. The 2013 study has 412 pages, 185 tables and figures. Worldwide markets are poised to achieve continuing growth as CT gains significant new imaging clarity.

CT imaging is useful for healthcare therapeutic decision-making. Infarctions caused by stroke and extensive bleeding are types of conditions imaged. Subarachnoid hemorrhage and a ruptured aneurysm are imaged. Seeing the conditions clearly makes a huge difference in choosing between different treatment options. CT is a primary diagnostic tool in oncology. It is used to detect cancer, for oncologic treatment follow-up and in assessing the lung diseases. In emergency care, CT has become the primary test for trauma, stroke or chest pain.

According to Susan Eustis, lead author of the study, "Superior image quality brings clinical improvement. Physicians are thrilled when they can see what is going on so much more clearly. Market leaders in the higher-slice segments have proven superior image quality. They have pressure to prove they can incorporate effective dose-reduction techniques while maintaining image quality. High end imaging modalities require advanced image management and archival systems. The diagnostic outcome of molecular imaging is made available to clinicians. Healthcare IT and molecular imaging exploit the advantage of systems. Effective distribution of images to clinicians is needed. Integration with electronic medical records is critical."

This growth is driven in part by the growing popularity of independent diagnostic centers, which are increasing in number due to patient demand and the relatively low set-up cost compared to a full, multi-disciplinary hospital.

Other drivers of growth include the increasing demands from governments for high quality healthcare delivery that is supported with CT imaging. Significant advances in imaging technologies promise to improve wellness through earlier and more accurate detection of medical conditions.

Aging population and increase in the chronic disease, congestive heart failure and diabetes in the population are considered as the main drivers of the imaging market in the developed nations. Obesity and use of statins are primary drives of chronic diseases. Lack of exercise and lack of good nutrition are underlying causes of obesity. A rising fiscal deficit is expected to inhibit the growth of CT in the developed nations.

CT scans help physicians determine whether curative or palliative treatment is the best course of treatment. CT works for patients for esophageal cancer. The CT market is shaped by instruments capable of high scanning speed. High scanning speed reduces examination time and radiation exposure for patients. CT is useful for managing increasing rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer. In the face of a population explosion worldwide demand for healthcare has created a need for screening and early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and cancer conditions.

CT imaging radiation dose continues to be an area of concern. The industry continues to try to reduce exposure while ensuring image quality. Recent studies have centered on the correct dose for children and the obese. Worldwide, research is going to improve the current technology of CT. Two topics are the focus of clinical research: reduced radiation, and evaluation of the hemodynamic significance of coronary stenosis.

Growth comes as more emphasis is put on early diagnosis and prevention of disease. Heart failure patients can benefit from better imaging.

Computed tomography scanner markets are driven by the trend towards multi-slice scanners, the global market for computed tomography scanners is expected to post a modest growth rate. The global market for CT scanners was valued at $3.7 billion in 2012. Total market value is expected to reach $6 billion by 2019.

Companies Profiled

Market Leaders

Siemens

General Electric / General Electric Healthcare / GE

Hitachi

Neurologica Corp.

Philips

Toshiba

Market Participants

Acceleware

Analogic

Barco NV

Esaote Group

Neusoft Medical Systems

OptiMedica

Samsung Medison / Medison America

Shimadzu

Steris Corporation

TomTec Imaging Systems GmbH

Unfors RaySafe

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