A Medical Device Daily
Cardiovascular monitoring systems are increasingly in demand in Europe, according to global consulting firm Frost & Sullivan (F&S; London). The need for sophisticated, but user-friendly equipment at affordable rates will offer market participants considerable growth opportunities in this sector.
New analysis from F&S, European Diagnostic Cardiovascular Monitoring Equipment Markets, finds that the market totaled revenues of $350 million in 2007 and estimates this to reach $491.3 million in 2014.
"Lifestyle changes and an aging population underpin the increasing incidence of cardiovascular-related illnesses," says F&S research analyst Gideon Praveen Kumar. "These trends contribute to an increased need for diagnostic cardiovascular monitoring equipment market in Europe."
The report says cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of premature death. In Europe alone, about $160 billion is being spent annually on the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Furthermore, statistics have revealed that one in five teenagers suffers from the early signs of heart disease. Under such circumstances, says Frost & Sullivan, diagnostic cardiac monitoring systems are finding wider application in hospitals and cardiac rehabilitation centers to enable effective diagnosis and therapy.
The report notes that ECG is a well-established procedure, but there have not been significant technological breakthroughs in recent years and the market continues to persist with old technologies. This situation has been exacerbated by the lack of funds for the research and development of innovative technologies. In addition, the focus on treatment, rather than monitoring modalities, is threatening to impede market momentum.
"Larger participants have always had the upper hand because of their reputation and the superior brand awareness that they have been able to create," notes Kumar. "This is threatening the survival of smaller competitors."
Despite intense competition, he says growth opportunities exist for companies that form strategic alliances to meet evolving end-user demands. Market expansion will be sustained by technological enhancements that promote greater user friendliness and improve networking and communication capabilities, while supporting cost efficiencies.
Surface analysis workshop set
The annual Surface Analysis Workshop presented by the Centre for Surface and Materials Analysis (CSMA; Stoke-on-Trent, UK) will take place Oct. 23 at CSMA's headquarters.
The program focuses on a wide range of critical surface analysis techniques and their applications to various industries, including medical devices.
Attendees are invited to bring in their materials and samples for an unbiased opinion and face-to-face discussions with industry experts, and CSMA scientists will be available throughout the day to offer advice and assistance on any surface analysis issues.
Interactive demonstrations will be performed using equipment such as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, 3-D Non-Contact Surface Profiling, Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Dynamic Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry depth profiling.
Presentations will include theory and case studies, on quantitative surface analysis and chemical state mapping, surface topography and layer thickness measurement, molecular imaging of surfaces, and elemental composition of sub-surface layers and interfaces.
The workshop will highlight how these techniques can investigate issues such as cleanliness, adhesion and disbondments, coating composition and uniformity as well as routine quality control in production, development and processing.