MIS Boosts Use of New Techniques in Europe

The growing popularity of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in Europe has generated immense market potential for enabling technologies such as robot-assisted surgery (RAS) and image-guided surgery (IGS), according to a new report from Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA), an international consulting company.

The European IGS market was estimated at U.S.$93.6 million in 2004, with a projected 13.9% growth rate over 2004-2008. The RAS market, estimated at $18 million, is forecast to grow 3.6% over the same period.

Image-guided navigation during MIS provides the surgeon with three-dimensional (3D) navigation and with the capability of altering images for greater detail. This results in higher accuracy, shorter operation times, and quicker recovery. This type of procedure is likely to benefit patients unable to withstand major surgery. In a similar manner, robotic assistants aid the performance of steadier surgical techniques, decrease surgery times, guide more precise procedures, and permit staff to carry out more dynamic tasks.

Currently, IGS is being deployed in neurologic, orthopedic, ear-nose-throat surgeries, dental applications, and emerging maxillo-facial surgery. Robotic applications are designed for general, cardiac, orthopedic, and brain surgery. One of the key deterrents to market growth is the high cost of installation and capital equipment, with many hospitals expecting free upgrades.

"Further technological improvements, greater integration along with more open and flexible platforms are likely to broaden the number of application areas, thereby spurring market growth,” noted Kavitha Ravikumar, a research analyst with Frost & Sullivan. "Manufacturers need to concentrate on surgical procedures where the product provides maximum benefit as well as clearly demonstrates how these products provide value for money in terms of investment versus outcome.”


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