Ultrasound Market Spurred by Portability

An ultrasound in the hand is worth, well, $4.7 billion by 2012, according to market research firm Marketstrat. The firm forecasts that the global ultrasound market will experience growth in the next several years, much of which will likely be attributed to the growing demand for handheld ultrasound technology. Such technology can improve patient care by bringing ultrasound to the point of care for faster diagnosis than with nonportable versions. In addition, the company highlights such advantages of handheld ultrasound equipment as lower price points, portability, ease of use, and enhanced functionality. Obstacles for the market, according to the firm, include "the sluggish economy in many countries, reimbursement restrictions, and competition from MRI and CT in areas of overlapping applications."Read more about a breakthrough miniaturized ultrasound helping to drive this trend that was featured last year in MPMN.