Progressive Technology Enhancements Spark Growth in the Endoscopy/Laparoscopy Markets

Dec. 2, 2010 - PRLog -- Escalating demand for sophisticated technologies that enable early detection of colon, esophageal, and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers has forced companies to launch highly versatile technologies to cater to the needs of endoscopists. Trends point to a shift from open surgery to minimally invasive surgery (MIS), using endoscopic/laparoscopic tools as they guarantee lower risk, faster recovery, and cost efficiency. MIS is slated to be the default surgical procedure in the future, as opposed to open surgery, unless other complications are involved.

Complications are rare in endoscopy, but may include perforation of the stomach or intestines, which will require immediate surgical intervention. The proliferation of gastrointestinal diseases and a huge untapped, aging population has helped fuel market momentum.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.technicalinsights.frost.com), Opportunities in Endoscopy/Laparoscopy, finds that the periodic shift in surgical procedures adopted by end-users for greater clinical outcomes has created high demand for technologies that could support performance of such surgical procedures with greater clinical outcomes and better clinical results to the patient.

If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail to Sarah Saatzer, Corporate Communications, at sarah.saatzer@frost.com, with your full name, company name, job title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.

“High uptake of sophisticated diagnostic and surgical procedures has encouraged traditional manufacturers pioneering the development of flexible, rigid, and capsule endoscopy to roll out technological innovations in a shorter time span,” notes Technical Insights Research Analyst Arjunvasan Ambigapathy.

“The market is poised to witness enhancements in therapeutic capabilities in wireless capsule endoscopy, size and scope of flexible endoscopes, high definition (HD) visualization systems, and robotic endoscopic surgical assistance.”

The endoscopy/laparoscopy market is consolidated, with market share dominated by a few global participants and the rest comprising small businesses, research institutes, and startup companies. The recession has made it tough for Tier II participants to gain a foothold in main stage. This scenario in effect, limits the technological innovations, which could have otherwise been witnessed in this market. Despite this trend, smaller participants are establishing themselves in this market by leveraging IP strength and technology, and faring well in the less competitive but still lucrative ear, nose, and throat (ENT), urology, and gynecology sectors. Other aspects challenging participants in this market are factors such as global pricing trends, difficulties in establishing strong distributor relationships, brand recognition, and IP protection.

Acquisitions, mergers, and collaborations are the astute tactics deployed by major participants to gain dominance in this market. Participants are resorting to co-marketing, cross-selling, distribution, and technical collaboration or licensing. Most of the big participants are strongly entrenched in the lucrative GI segment, leaving fewer resources for other segments. Tier II participants must come up with technological advances in niche areas and then expand into other segments to gain a foothold in the market. Once they develop innovative technologies, they can fend off competition and acquisitions from major participants with their IP strength. This initial boost can uplift their financial platform and help to clinch better deals with major participants, or expand into the lucrative GI segment. A surefire route to leverage IP strength and build effective brand value is by hiring top competitive talent.

“There is still a huge untapped patient population that remains unaware of MIS, and this represents a missed opportunity,” says Technical Insights Research Analyst Saju John Mathew.

“Going forward, more awareness needs to be propagated about the recent technological advances and benefits surrounding MIS and efforts must be stepped up to teach endoscopy techniques to achieve better success rates.”

Opportunities in Endoscopy/Laparoscopy, a part of the Technical Insights subscription, provides information on the type of opportunities that exist in distribution, co-marketing, technical collaboration and acquisition in this market.  Further, this research service includes detailed technology analysis and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

Technical Insights is an international technology analysis business that produces a variety of technical news alerts, newsletters, and research services.

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Opportunities in Endoscopy/Laparoscopy
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Contact:
Sarah Saatzer
Corporate Communications – North America
P: 210.477.8427
E: sarah.saatzer@frost.com

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