Kodak created a separate business unit in February to supportthe sale of cardiac imaging products. Joseph Barry, a 23-yearKodak veteran, was named general manager of the cardiology businessunit, a part of Kodak's Health Sciences division. The dominant
Kodak created a separate business unit in February to supportthe sale of cardiac imaging products. Joseph Barry, a 23-yearKodak veteran, was named general manager of the cardiology businessunit, a part of Kodak's Health Sciences division.
The dominant medical film vendor anticipates continued stronggrowth in cardiac catheterization procedures and demand for relatedimaging products. Formation of a separate business unit was anotherstep in Kodak's long-term strategy to build this business, Barrytold SCAN.
Kodak purchased a cine-radiography film processor line withits acquisition of Jamieson Film last year (SCAN 8/1/90). TheRochester, NY, company now sells cardiac cath film, processingchemicals, processors and other accessory products. Vari-X ofIrvine, CA, is Kodak's largest competitor in the cardiac cathfilm market, Barry said.
The new business unit is responsible for Kodak's worldwidecardiac imaging business. A team of technical specialists is beingbuilt to support the work of dealers and Kodak's x-ray film salesrepresentatives, he said.
Cardiac sales require a distinct marketing and sales effort,however. Fewer than 5% of cardiology labs are part of hospitalx-ray departments, Barry said.
The number of cath labs is growing about 10% to 15% a year.While some of that growth involves digital imaging equipment,cardiac cath procedures continue to rely mainly on film.
BRIEFLY NOTED:
MICA is reorganizing with the intent of improving coordinationof the firm's imaging center and shared-service businesses. NathanKaufman, president of MICA's center operating group, resignedin March (SCAN 4/10/91).
Patitucci, a former GE Medical executive, is leaving Discoveryfor personal reasons. He may continue as a consultant to the company.