Fluoroscopy and Mobile C-Arms Market

Market Overview

The global fluoroscopy and mobile C-arms market size is expected to grow at 4.38% CAGR during the forecast study period.

Fluoroscopy and C-arms are medical imaging techniques that use X-Ray technology to take real-time images of the body and are used in various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Fluoroscopy offers X-ray imaging that is exclusively useful to study a patient's body's internal structure and functions. It is the most frequently used in general radiology and interventional radiology, and image-guided surgeries. Similarly, the C-arm equipment is also based on X-ray technology and is often used in traumatology, orthopedics, vascular surgeries, and cardiology procedures. The name "C-arm" is a derivative of a C-shaped arm used to link the X-ray source and X-ray detector to one another.

The Rising Prevalence of Target Diseases

The global disease burden is shifting from infectious diseases to chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular disorders like stroke, arrhythmia,etc. These chronic diseases kill more than 40 million people every year across the globe. Cardiovascular diseases account for most chronic disease-related deaths, around 17.5 million people every year, followed by cancers about 8.2 million, respiratory diseases around4 million, and diabetes approximately 1.5 million.

Patients suffering from such chronic diseases require routine diagnosis that has augmented the demand for fluoroscopy and C-arm devices. The other factors, such as increasing investment for reimbursement and the need for preventive healthcare, are driving the fluoroscopy and mobile C-arms market growth. For instance, in the U.S., Medicare reimbursements favor value-based healthcare for improved patient's health at a low cost. Thus, these devices have become modalities of choice by many patients suffering from chronic health conditions.

Artificial Intelligence to Provide Lucrative Opportunities for Market Growth

Artificial intelligence usage with fluoroscopy is estimated to provideprofitable growth opportunities for companiesoperating in this market. For instance, in October 2019, a study presented at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course stated that using a fluoroscopy system facilitated with AIthroughout image-guided endoscopy proceduremightconsiderablylessen exposure of patients to harmful radiations and reduce the scatter effect on to staff handling the endoscopy equipment.

Moreover, it is also anticipated that the advancement of technologies that decreases patient sensitivity to radiation would help increase the global demand for fluoroscopy and c-arms. For instance, in May 2020, Corindus, a Siemens Healthineersfirm, reported that results from the study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions showed that with the CorPath GRX device, robotic PCI reduces patient radiation exposure by 20% compared to manual PCI without increasing fluoroscopy time.

Market Dynamics

The global fluoroscopy and mobile C-arms market has been segmented based on device type, application,and end-user.

C-Arms Subsection to Attain New Heights in Terms of Revenue in Coming Years

The segmental growth is attributable to the advent of customized imaging solutions provided by systems for a wide variety of clinical applications, in addition to greater versatility in selecting a navigation device. In today's market, C-arms provide the best angle to achieve high-quality images and also allow for simple movement and positioning inside the patient space while at the same time keeping the patient relaxed.

The maneuverability and precision of mobile C-arms provide clinicians with instant copies of images, helping to accelerate its market growth.Growing C-arms demand is also driven by rising elderly patients with a greater vulnerability to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, orthodontic, and respiratory diseases. This, coupled with growing patient understanding, is anticipated to push the market growth in the coming period.

Regional Analysis

The regional analysis has been made considering the trends of the laboratory equipment and disposables market in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

North America dominated the fluoroscopy and mobile C-arms market with the largest revenue share in 2019. The superiority can be due to the well-established healthcare system,the high penetration rate of new technologies, and the prevalence of a large target population. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases is pushing the market for C-arm equipment vigorously.The number of orthopedic surgeries in the area is fueled by a continuously growing target patient population due to aging combined with increased traffic accidents.

According to the Bone and Joints Burden Organization, nearly 1 of 2 persons above age 18 and 3 of 4 persons above age 65 are affected by musculoskeletal disorders. CDC report reveals that in the U.S., 23% of all adults that are above 54 million people have arthritis. Moreover, 2.35 million get injured in road crashes, and over 37,000 people die every year, according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT). American Physical Therapy Association states that 2.9 million sports injuries occur annually. Such high incidence in accidental injuries, arthritis, and orthopedic disorders created a high demand for fluoroscopy and mobile C-arms devices, thereby driving the regional market growth.

Several diagnostic imaging device firms are witnessing revenue gains through corporate strategies and new releases in recent years. Industries competing in the U.S rely strongly on receiving regulatory permits for their products. For example, Globus Medical, Inc., a U.S. based corporation, received more than 82 FDA product approvals. Medical technology firms are now acquiring Asian firms to widen their product range and gain significant market share in the diagnostic industry.

On the other hand, the APACmarket is expected to witness rapid development in the near term. The presence of well-established hospitals and critical care centers anda broad target customer base is anticipated to boost the growth. According to the Central Bureau of Health Intelligence, the number of government hospitals has risen from 4,571 in 2000 to 11,993 in 2011 in India. Thus, the growing number of hospitals has contributed to an upsurge in demand for fluoroscopic and mobile C-arms devices.Furthermore, the availability of advanced healthcare facilities at cost-effective prices, the booming medical tourism industry, and cheap labor costsare some additional factors projected to push the Asia-Pacific industry.

Segmental Analysis

Orthopedics Sub-Sector to Lead the Application Segment

The market is segmented into orthopedics, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, pain management and trauma, urology, neurology, and others based on applications.

The increasing aging population is highly prone to develop bone-related disorders such as osteoarthritis, rickets, and osteomalacia. Global Arthritis Network states that around 350 million people across the globe have arthritis. Nearly 25 in every 1000 people undergo orthopedic surgery due to osteoarthritis. According to the WHO's data, it is predicted that the global population aging 60 years and above will reach 2 billion by 2050. The number of people seeking joint replacement surgery, such as total hip and knee replacements, has gradually risen and continues to grow, owing to a surge in the elderly population. Thus, increasing the geriatric population base will create a high demand for numerous fluoroscopy systems and C-arm devices, leading to market growth.

Moreover, lack of physical activity, increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking tobacco are vital factors leading to damaging bone health. Furthermore,an upsurge in sports injuries and road accidents will also foster market growth. About 4.5 million people have been treated in hospitals for a sports injury, according to the EU IDB catalog of sports, according to reports from the National Safety Council (NSC) in 2017. The training and the use of fitness equipment in the United States resulted in about 526,000 injuries. WHO states that approximately 20 to 50 million people are injured or disable due to road accidents. These incidences reveal the high need and demand for orthopedic devices

Recent Developments

• In February 2019, Philips launched Philips Zenition, a novel mobile C-arm imaging platform. This launch will enable hospitals to make the most ofoperating room (OR) performance, and augment itsclinical capabilities, thereby invigorating its position in the fluoroscopy and mobile c-armsmarket.
• In September 2018, Siemens HealthineerslaunchedCios Alpha for the treatment of vascular and endovascular procedures. The product launch will enhance the firm's product portfolio.