MIS Trends 2014: Improving Visualization

Manufacturers of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) products are developing new laparoscopic visualization systems and advanced surgical tools designed to offer some of the benefits of robotic surgery without the challenges posed by current robotic platforms. These companies are counting on such hybrid solutions to provide a technological and economic middle ground between traditional laparoscopy and robotic surgery and enable more complex procedures to be performed via a minimally invasive approach. Advances in imaging, such as three-dimensional (3D) high-definition (HD) laparoscopy systems (3D HD), fluorescence imaging, and image guidance, along with new handheld tools and energy devices designed to enhance dexterity, maneuverability, rotation, precision, and ergonomics will continue to drive growth in the multibillion-dollar MIS products market. Manufacturers are also driving growth by targeting underpenetrated and emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America, and by focusing education, sales, and product development efforts on underserved clinical areas with good potential for increasing MIS adoption in gynecologic, thoracic, hepatobiliary, pancreatic, colorectal, oncologic, and bariatric surgery. (SeeAlso see "Trends In MIS, Part I: Pushing Surgical Boundaries" - Medtech Insight, 25 May, 2012..)

In part one of this two-part series, Medtech Insight covers the latest advances in laparoscopic visualization, and highlights the trends that are driving growth in the market for endoscopic imaging technologies. Total growth in the US market for general and pelvic endoscopes (including rigid and flexible endoscopes and equipment) is projected to increase from $803.9 million in 2013 to more than $1 billion in 2018, a CAGR of 4.9% according to a recent Medtech Insight market report. (See Exhibit 1.) Companies competing in this market include Olympus Medical Systems Group (Center Valley, PA), a division of Olympus Corp.), Stryker Corp