Firm predicts rising Chinese demand for XR

Firm predicts rising Chinese demand for XR

The Chinese market for x-ray equipment will be an oasis in the economic desert, if a new report from InMedica proves correct. The upbeat analysis predicts rising demand for x-ray equipment in China that will push annual sales to $873 million by 2012, representing a CAGR of 9.3% from 2009 forward. InMedica analysts base the forecast on continuing strong economic growth and increased expenditure on public healthcare, coupled with the country's transition from analog to digital x-ray systems. The market research firm notes "tremendous demand for high-end x-ray equipment, especially mobile C-arms and digital radiography." If the predictions are correct, the Chinese x-ray market could serve as a buffer for the economic turmoil elsewhere in the medical imaging market, as more than 80% of the demand for digital radiography in China is currently met by multinational suppliers. Tertiary hospitals have strict requirements for x-ray equipment, and local manufacturers find it hard to compete, according to InMedica.

Toshiba shows Aplio upgrade at ACC meeting

Better cardiac wall motion tracking are highlights of an enhanced Aplio Artida ultrasound scanner appearing in the Toshiba America Medical Systems booth during the American College of Cardiology meeting March 29 to 31. The company also introduced a pediatric package and two probes for the Artida. New software onboard the scanner allows the assessment of 3D volume images in a single cardiac cycle. This eliminates artifacts that can appear when volumes from several cycles are stitched together. Operators have the option to view the entire heart or focused views of the endocardium or epicardium. Viewing these two parts of the heart can be important, as they move at different speeds.

Varian expands installed base

Zurich University Hospital and Gottingen University Hospital have joined more than 70 institutions in the use of Varian Medical's RapidArc treatment. The Swiss and German hospitals are using the technology to treat complex cancers, including head and neck tumors. RapidArc delivers image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy two to eight times faster than conventional IMRT.