The global market for 3D medical imaging is forecast to reach $5.9 billion by 2017, primarily driven by technological advancements resulting in improved equipment, according to a new report by Global Industry Analysts.

Included in GIA’s “3D Medical Imaging: A Global Strategic Business Report” are software and workstations used in MRI and CT and ultrasound machines.

The number of 3D medical imaging procedures being performed has increased, along with the number of 3D modalities sold, leading to increased acceptance and use of 3D visualization techniques, the report notes.

The analysis comes just a few days before the Radiological Society of North America convenes its 97th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting in Chicago on Nov. 27. RSNA 2011 runs through Dec. 2.

As GIA researchers see it, 3D medical imaging technology represents an advanced integrated solution in the field of medical imaging for making faster and accurate diagnosis possible and improving patient throughput as well. This in turn helps in achieving higher success rates through better treatment outcomes.

Advanced capabilities, such as 3D and 4D imaging, are now a reality given the technological innovations that have made computing of multiple probe signals in a given time possible, across various imaging modalities. Above all, the 3D imaging has given the ultrasound segment a major thrust during the past few years. From a technological perspective, developments in this promising field have been rapid and also driven by the growing inclination towards portable lightweight and 3D imaging equipment.

According to the report, Europe represents the largest regional market, although the United States constitutes the single largest market globally. The escalating usage of MRI, CT, and ultrasound imaging has fuelled growth of the European market for 3D medical imaging. There, the 3D imaging segment has expanded over recent years as applications became increasingly affordable. In addition, there is an increasing popularity for 3D as a tool for rapid diagnosis that is capable of tackling large amounts of medical data produced daily in hospitals across Europe, resulting in enhanced workflow efficiency.

Asia-Pacific is likely to emerge as the fastest growing market with a compound annual growth rate of 17.5 percent over the analysis period. MRI and CT represents the largest segment, and is projected to record the fastest CAGR of 14 percent over the analysis period. Characterized by the larger population, increasing number of hospitals and diagnostic centers, as well as supported by a fair knowledge of advanced technologies and increasing purchasing power, Asia-Pacific represents a potential market for 3D medical imaging, says GIA.

The outlook for overall diagnostic imaging equipment in emerging markets, such as Brazil, India, and China is improving. These countries, where the public healthcare systems are traditionally impoverished and substandard, struggle to offer adequate healthcare, the report notes. Yet, several factors, such as the increasing personal incomes and improved healthcare funding by the government, encouraged many facilities to procure sophisticated diagnostic imaging equipment. Growing sales of innovative equipment, catering to high-end hospitals and growing middle class population, would also lead to the rapid growth of the market in all the three countries. The adoption of advanced technologies by many of the high-end urban hospitals would rapidly drive diagnostic imaging revenues in all the three countries in the coming years.

The ultrasound equipment market globally managed to weather challenges posed by the economic slowdown and witnessed recovery in 2010.

Additionally, improvements in the ultrasound technology, coupled with the persistent uncertainty regarding the cost-efficiency and safety of MRI and CT modalities, and expanding utilization of the modality in latest clinical applications, is set to make ultrasound a primary medical imaging option in the coming years. Technological advancements in MRI are currently targeted at increasing contrast image and resolution, improving workflow, increasing patient throughput and reducing scan time, apart from the bore size. In fact, the primary focus is currently on patient comfort improvements and production maximization.

Major vendors profiled in the report include Barco NV, GE Healthcare, Hitachi Aloka Medical Ltd., Philips Healthcare, Samsung Medison America Inc., Siemens Healthcare, The Esaote Group, TomTec Imaging Systems GmbH, Toshiba America Medical Systems, among others.