3.0-tesla scanners dominate US MRI market

APRIL 14--Enhanced image quality and decreased scan times as a result of novel parallel imaging techniques such as sensitivity encoding are strongly promoting the adoption of new 3.0-tesla magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) scanners by hospitals and imaging clinics. According to market researcher Frost & Sullivan (San Jose, CA: www.medical systems.frost.com), in its report A435-50 US MRI Scanners and Coils Markets, revenues in this industry totaled $1.46 billion in 2002 and are projected to reach $1.97 billion by 2009.

"Hospitals and imaging clinics have begun to upgrade low-field systems with mid-field open and high-field closed scanners, relegating low-field open systems to smaller niche markets," says Frost & Sullivan research analyst Jim Clayton. However, physicians' offices and specialists such as orthopedists looking for affordable MR solutions to complement their existing services are likely to sustain some demand for low-field systems.

The 3.0-tesla scanners, which belong to a newly created subsegment--very high-field--are experiencing strong growth as end users migrate from 1.5-tesla scanners toward adopting superior higher-field-strength systems. Emerging applications such as contrast-enhanced MR angiography, interactive cardiac MR, and interventional MR, are set to spur sales of these new scanners.

The development of technologically advanced MR coils is also extending the capabilities of scanners. In this highly competitive market, third-party manufacturers vie with MR equipment manufacturers, who are also their biggest customers. Success for third-party manufacturers depends on their ability to produce cost-effective, state-of-the-art coils to capture business from large and profitable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). However, a trend may be developing if OEMs continue to acquire coil manufacturers in a bid to enhance manufacturing expertise, the existence of third party manufacturers might be threatened.