MEDICALDEALER 31www.medicaldealer.com

Breast imaging is a multi-modality segment that includes digital mammography, molecular imaging, PET-aided (and unaided) breast MRI and CT, breast ultrasound and other emergent technologies. The advancement of each is spurred on by a desire to reduce false positive reports of cancer, improve patient comfort, and broaden accessibility to these technologies for women throughout the world. Another potential feature that could advance adoption of breast imaging is the technological progression towards automated scanning devices that might reduce or remove the need for clinician involvement with the procedure.

In terms of geographic outlook, markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East are seen as emergent growth opportunities. The advancement of breast imaging

technology in these areas is contingent upon more substantial reimbursement policies, although Markets and Markets notes the circularity of that analysis, stating that reimbursement will likely improve as the technology becomes more available: “The industry is being impacted by the huge government stimulus and continuous development in technology that leads to the introduction of innovative products.”

In a February 2013 statement, Frost & Sullivan said that the market consolidation of breast imaging providers has restrained the growth of the technology in the United States, as have “conflicting recommendations regarding the age at which mammography screening should begin.”

Frost & Sullivan analyst Roberto Aranibar pointed to a 7-percent drop

in the number of U.S. breast imag-ing facilities from 2002 to 2011, and the resultant fallout for the mar-ket “given its large dependency on system replacements” for growth. Likewise, most of the U.S. medi-cal device market was in some state of flux in the past two years, await-ing rulings from the Supreme Court on the Affordable Care Act and Con-gressional action on the 2.3-percent medical device excise tax.

However, recent legislative pushes—for breast density notifica-tion laws and for greater selectivity in the use of imaging modalities that require ionizing radiation— as well as “evolving breast cancer screening protocols” are helping to spur new purchases in these segments, Arani-bar notes in the statement.

Expanding breast density report-ing laws are prompting increases in supplemental screening procedure volumes that, in turn, are creating a growing demand for newer tech-nologies that improve diagnostic accuracy, while also increasing pro-ductivity,” he says.

Key manufacturers of breast imaging equipment include large companies like GE, Philips, Sie-mens, and Toshiba. Other vendors that compete in this market segment include Hologic, Aurora Imaging Technology, Imaging Diagnostic Sys-tems Inc., Naviscan PET Systems Inc., Koning, U-Systems, Dune Med-ical Technologies, Dilon Diagnostics, Planmeca GmbH, Gamma Medica Inc and AG-FA Healthcare.

MAMMogrAphy/BrEAst IMAgIng

By Matthew N. SkoufalosproDuCt foCus_Radiology_Market Analysis

Driven by the rising emphasis on early detection of cancer, the global market for breast imaging technology is poised to continue its rapid growth through 2017. According to analysis by Markets and Markets, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.37 percent, the value of this segment could approach $5 billion by that time.

32 MEDICALDEALER | August 2013 medical equipment, parts & service

August proDuCts : This month, Medical Dealer explores current trends in Mammography Equipment.

Staff ReportsproDuCt foCus_Radiology_Product showroom

toshIBA InfInIx

VF-I BI-PLAnE XR220 AMX

siemens Healthcare’s MAMMOMAT In-spiration Prime Edition lowers patient radiation dose by replacing the stan-dard scatter radiation grid with a new

algorithm for progressive image reconstruction. Capable of identifying scatter-causing structures and calculating a corrected image, this new algo-rithm potentially enables complete use of prima-ry radiation so physicians can achieve high-qual-ity images using less dose. In digital X-ray breast imaging, radiation passes through the examined breast to a detector. Primary radiation supplies the information needed to provide the X-ray image, while scattered radiation is absorbed by special grids positioned between the breast and the detector. Unfortunately, since these scatter grids also absorb a portion of the all-important primary radiation, physicians must utilize a higher dose to obtain images of desired quality. Siemens’ new reconstruction algorithm for the MAMMOMAT Inspiration system – known as Prime (Progressive Reconstruction, Intelligently Minimizing Exposure) – eliminates the need for the scatter radiation grid of conventional mam-mography systems. The MAMMOMAT Inspiration Prime Edition is based on the modular MAMMO-MAT Inspiration platform for screening, diagnos-tics and biopsy, which has been used by hospitals and physicians offices since 2007. •

MEDICALDEALER 33www.medicaldealer.com

Mammography Equipment_Product showroom

the new Philips MicroDose SI is the first full-field digital mammography system that brings the potential of non-invasive spectral imaging to clinical practice. Like existing MicroDose systems, it uses direct digital, photon counting technology. This technology has created a paradigm

shift in mammography, allowing high dose efficiency that makes it possible to conduct exams with low radiation dose – without compromising image quality. Philips is working on future software applications like Spectral Breast Density Measurement, which will build upon the MicroDose SI technology. •

phILIps

MICRODOSE SI

34 MEDICALDEALER | August 2013 medical equipment, parts & service

the Carestream Vue Mammography Workstation is a new module that displays digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) exams from DICOM-compliant acquisition devices, where radiologists can also view traditional mammograms, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and general radiology exams from a single desktop. The module streamlines workflow

by allowing healthcare providers to store, route, display and query/retrieve DBT exams from DICOM-compliant acquisition devices. Comparison tools enable radiologists to use personal-ized hanging protocols for DBT exams along with other procedures. •

CArEstrEAM VuE

MAMMOgRAPHy WORkSTATIOn

Staff ReportsproDuCt foCus_Radiology_Product showroom

MEDICALDEALER 35www.medicaldealer.com

the Hologic Selenia Dimensions 2D digital mammography system offers a flexible digital breast imaging platform that can be configured for 3D breast imaging. The Selenia Dimensions 2D system integrates image acquisition and simultaneous display of priors integrated into a single workstation. The system has an ergonomic gantry and acquisi-

tion workstation and an advanced selenium direct capture detector with a fast cycle time. •

 

hoLogIC sELEnIA

DIMEnSIOnS 2D

Mammography Equipment_Product showroom

36 MEDICALDEALER | August 2013 medical equipment, parts & service

1. What are the most important things to look for in a reputable third-party mammography equipment provider? Used equipment decisions should be focused on the care and maintenance of the asset during its initial opera-tional environment. Specifically how heavy was the patient volume, how well was it serviced, did the technol-ogists handle the system with care, did the service provider do a good job servicing it and are there records documenting this service. Servicing mammography is much more regulat-ed than servicing other types of imag-ing equipment and all mammography systems must meet the Mammogra-phy Quality Standards Act. Therefore, when looking for a company to service your mammography system, look for one that truly understands and complies with all MQSA standards and state by state x-ray regulations. This should also include assisting custom-ers with the process of achieving, ACR certification, as well as understand-ing and solving image quality issues. Proactive preventative maintenance is also a major value-added aspect. Finally, a company with a dedicated Quality Management System provides

a framework that ensures the ele-ments above are consistently met.

2. Is it possibl to keep up with mam-mography technology without buying brand new? Absolutely. Options in-clude previous versions of digital and CR, which can be a cheap and easy way to upgrade an analog system. Many early-generation digital systems offer top performance in at-least one area of image quality. What are some of the newer tech-nologies you offer? Although Consen-sys is primarily an equipment service provider, we do sell used equipment on an opportunistic basis, offering service coverage at the time of sale. Digital mammography is definitely the current standard. Even with very low reimbursements compared to other imaging modalities, hospitals, imaging centers, and women’s health centers spend a significant amount of money on new digital systems. Because of the cost and longer ROIs, many systems are available on the aftermarket, including some of the latest technol-ogies. Analog systems coupled with new Fuji CR digital imaging systems are also a cost-effective option.

3. Describe your mammography equipment refurbishment process. Consensys is no longer performing in-house equipment refurbishment. Instead we partner with quality driven suppliers that can offer our customers the best equipment for their partic-ular needs, including high-quality refurbished units. This allows the customer better direct pricing but still gives them the benefit of working with us as their trusted equipment service provider who can advise them on the quality of the unit and likelihood of its continued long-term performance.

4. What unique products, features or services does Consensys Imaging offer? Service on Fischer Imaging systems is a niche for Consensys due to our legacy OEM connection to this line. not many service providers have the experience on this particular line as we do, and we leverage that knowledge and experience across other product platforms to deliver world-class mammography field ser-vice. We continue to grow our remote service capability and offer full service coverage on the Fischer Imaging, gE, and Siemens mammography systems.

5. How can purchasers ensure they are making a wise investment in mammog-raphy equipment? Research, plain and simple. Consult with existing equipment owners – specifically talk to the x-ray/mammography techni-cians, as they’ll have the best first-hand experience to help with feedback

VEnDor Q&AMAMMOgRAPHy/BREAST IMAgIng

proDuCt foCus_Radiology_Vendor Q&A Staff Reports

This month, Medical Dealer sat down with Consensys, to find out more about what to look for when purchasing pre-owned mammography equipment.

MEDICALDEALER 37www.medicaldealer.com

Consensys Imaging service, Inc.615 Industrial DriveCary, IL 60013Phone: 847-462-2030Fax: 847-462-2198Toll-free: 866-310-0071 Email: support@consensysimaging.comWebsite: www.consensysimaging.com

Consensys Imaging Service, Inc. is a leading provider of services to the di-agnostic imaging industry. Consensys leverages its proprietary technologies and advanced technical capabilities to provide high quality, cost-efficient ser-vice solutions across multiple modali-ties and vendor platforms. Consensys is headquartered in Cary, IL and is a portfolio company of galen Partners, a leading healthcare private equity firm.

DigitecMedical753 Winer Industrial Way, Ste. FLawrenceville, GA 30046Phone: 770-995-0050Fax: 770-995-8553Email: info@digitecmedical.comWebsite: www.digitecmedical.com

Digitec Medical is a different kind of after-market medical equipment company because we focus exclusively on mammography. That focus makes us the ultimate resource for mammog-raphy sales, service, and parts.

Metropolis International LLCLeon Gugel 21-11 44th Avenue, 3rd FloorLong Island City, NY 11101Phone: 718-371-6026Fax: 718-371-6032 Email: info@metropolismedical.comWebsite: www.metropolismedical.com

Metropolis International LLC is one of the largest stocking dealers of all types of quality pre-owned di-agnostic imaging equipment. With over 45 years of combined industry experience, we work with all X-ray, C-arms, CT, Mammography, DEXA, MRI, Ultrasound systems. Located in new york, in a large warehouse, we provide Vendors, Dealers and End-Users, with equipment and services that are sec-ond to none!

prEfErrED VEnDorsMAMMOgRAPHy/ BREAST IMAgIng

Staff ReportsproDuCt foCus_Radiology_Preferred Vendor Listings

sEE our AD on

pAgE 38

sEE our AD on

pAgE 39

sEE our AD on

pAgE 30

on elements such as equipment downtimes and patient through-put. As we mentioned previously, partnering with a reputable service provider who can advise on serviceability and reliability is also another key element to a successful investment. Finally, be sure to investigate reimburse-ment specifics for mammography studies as that affects ROI in order to make sure their investment is a wise one. If a site is just starting a mammography program, buying a used/refurbished unit is a great op-tion because the costs are typical-ly half that of a brand new system. How can they ensure they will receive the necessary literature and training tools? Speak direct-ly with the equipment vendors. On-line research is often the best, most direct way to ensure you understand what should be included. Just be sure to inquire if the unit comes with all operator & service literature, software and applications training necessary for that particular system.

for MorE InforMAtIon about consesnsys visit their website: www.consensysimaging.com.