Optical imaging, informatics and more featured in Top 10 medical technologies list

Market research firm Frost & Sullivan has released its list of the top 10 medical device and imaging technologies that will help manage the increasing frequency of chronic diseases around the globe.

"Top Medical Device and Imaging Technologies in 2015" names the following 10 technologies that will “transform the healthcare sector”:

• surgical robots
• digital pathology
• neuroprosthetics
• surgical laser
• smart pills
• optical imaging
• health informatics
• integrated vital signs monitoring
• artificial organs
• 4D ultrasound imaging

New modalities such as neuroprosthesis and hybrid imaging are moving towards commercialization, according to Frost & Sullivan. Technologies already in the early commercialization phase, including smart pills and surgical robots, will find widespread uses across applications.

“The strong merits of the top 10 medical device and imaging technologies attract the attention of large and small healthcare companies alike,” said Frost & Sullivan TechVision Senior Research Analyst Bhargav Rajan. “Traditionally, cautious tier-1 firms stake claim in these pioneering modalities directly or indirectly through funding, tie-ups and acquisitions.”

The analysis notes that a common thread connecting the technologies is their scope for convergence with non-medical platforms. "Innovations in electronics, sensors, IT and advanced manufacturing are actively powering product and technology progress in medical and imaging devices. Non-healthcare businesses such as Google and IBM invest in these technologies," according to a release.

“Stringent regulatory requirements as well as a competitive intellectual property landscape prolong the time-to-market and strain returns on investment,” said Rajan. “Collaborative and multi-cluster advancements in conjunction with non-healthcare industries will significantly reduce development times and lower barriers to market entry.”

Once commercialized, these multi-disciplinary medical and imaging devices with long lifespans will consistently influence market potential, research and development, and global adoption over several years, the firm predicted.

The analysis cites the following global healthcare trends driving new technologies: decentralization of healthcare, healthcare consumerism, patient-centered healthcare, care outside hospitals, personalized medicine and 24-7 care.

When considering past top technologies, smart pills, mobile health and remote patient monitoring have been consistently on top. These technologies benefitted from sustained market demand, new applications, and technology and product innovations, according to Frost & Sullivan. Another key feature was the multi-disciplinary nature of these technologies, incorporating innovations from different industries. Their sustained influence and market impact is aided by the falling cost of technology and increasing integration of electronics and IT in healthcare.