Technology

GE Healthcare combines ‘Quality and Affordability’ with Vresana Essential

Although the ultrasound devices market has been around for quite a while, the global shares have remained moderately consolidated among a small pool of players, says TMR

The TMR report has projected the demand in the global ultrasound devices market to propogate at a CAGR of 5.9 percent during the forecast period of 2017 to 2023. In terms of revenue, the opportunities in this market are estimated to be worth $11 billion by 2023, considerably more than the markets’s evaluated worth of $7.8 billion as of 2017.

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to view inside our body. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can also show movement of our body’s internal organs as well as blood flowing through our blood vessels. Unlike X-ray imaging, there is no ionizing radiation exposure associated with ultrasound imaging.
In an ultrasound exam, a transducer (probe) is placed directly on the skin or inside a body opening. A thin layer of gel is applied to the skin so that the ultrasound waves are transmitted from the transducer through the gel into the body. The ultrasound image is produced based on the reflection of the waves off of the body structures. The strength (amplitude) of the sound signal and the time it takes for the wave to travel through the body provide the information necessary to produce an image.

An ultrasound machine or ultrasound transducer system is used to visualize our liver, kidneys, blood vessels, heart, human fetus, and other organs. It is a form of diagnostic imaging technique that is also used to examine pregnant women. Ultrasound devices can also be applied in sonography, which can aid in both diagnosis and therapeutic procedures.

Growing market size

The global ultrasound devices market size is projected to reach $10,476 million by 2022, according to a study and in depth analysis by Allied Market Research. This is primarily attributed to the large number of techno- logical advancements (such as 3D & 4D imaging) in ultrasound systems, increase in prevalence & incidence rates of chronic diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer), increase in number of ultrasound diagnostic imaging procedures, demand for minimal invasive therapies, and rise in awareness for early disease diagnosis.
The factors, such as rise in public & private investments and grants & funds for the development of more advanced ultrasound devices as well as to create awareness about the advantages offered by these devices also drive the market growth. Conversely, the major restraining factors of the market include the dearth of skilled and experienced sonographers, globally. The report segments the global ultrasound devices market based on product type, device display, portability, application and geography. Based on product type, the market is categorized into diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound systems. Diagnostic ultrasound systems generated the highest revenue in 2015, owing to an increase in ageing population, which require frequent diagnostic examinations. The therapeutic ultrasound systems segment would reach
$353 million by 2020.

Holding an upper hand

Although the ultrasound devices market has been around for quite a while, the global shares have remained moderately consolidated among a small pool of players, according to an up to date business report by Transparency Market Research (TMR). The analyst of the report has detected that GE Healthcare and Fujifilm Holdings Corporation have had an upper hand for a number of years owing to their strong and broad portfolio of ultrasound devices, wide spread geographical presence, and brand image. In addition to that, introduction of technologically advancements products is another key strategy by the market leaders to stay ahead of the curve.

GE Healthcare recently unveiled another ultrasound system with impeccable image quality and advanced yet easy-to-use features. From obstetrics and gynecology to general practitioners and family practice physicians, Versana Essential offers an imaging system that enables clinicians to confidently deliver the next level of care to their patients. At an affordable cost, this ultrasound system helps meet realities on the ground.

For instance, GE Healthcare recently unveiled its LOGIQ™ E10 – an advanced radiology ultrasound system that has 10 times greater processing power in comparison to previous systems and offers 48 times greater data throughput. In the near future, artificial intelligence technology is expect to pave ways to smart medical devices, including cSound™ Architecture – a ultrasound system’s platform which uses GPU hardware technology to reconstruct data in similar ways to CT and MRI systems.

The TMR report has projected the demand in the global ultrasound devices market to propagate at a CAGR of 5.9 per cent during the forecast period of 2017 to 2023. In terms of revenue, the opportunities in this market are estimated to be worth $11 billion by 2023, considerably more than the market’s evaluated worth of $7.8 billion as of 2017. Based on product type, the market for has been segmented into cart- or trolley-based and compact ultrasound devices. Application-wise, the market has been bifurcated into gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, radiology, and others. Technology-wise, the ultrasound market has been categorized into 2D, 3D and $D, Doppler ultrasound imaging, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and lithotripsy ultrasound imaging. Geographically, Asia Pacific is projected to emerge as the region with maximum demand-potential.

Budget friendly options

GE Healthcare recently unveiled another ultrasound system with impeccable image quality and advanced yet easy-to -use features. From obstetrics and gynecology to general practitioners and family practice physicians, Versana Essential offers an imaging system that enables clinicians to confidently deliver the next level of care to their patients. At an affordable cost, this ultrasound system helps meet realities on the ground.
In an interview with Rob Watton, General Manager of Primary Affordable Care Ultrasound at GE Healthcare explained how the new ultrasound device combines quality and affordability and readily meets the realities on the ground.

Watton notes, “Versana Essential is a world-class ultrasound machine that is easy to use, easy to learn and easy to own. It is dependable and comes with a multi-year warranty. Versana Essential is a complete solution and not only a product. It starts with a versatile ultrasound system that can cover a range of clinical applications, along with important automation features to simplify workflow and make it easy to use.

“In addition to this, we know that ongoing education and support are critical for many users, so we offer on-board product training and clinical education tools that can support clinicians in their daily practice; we also offer optional digital and localized hands-on training courses for those wanting to enhance their knowledge of ultrasound scanning. While we have designed Versana Essential to be very affordable, we know buying an ultrasound system is an expensive purchase, and so we have a range of financing options to suit every budget, and can help buyers evaluate the return on investment for their practice”.

Assessing patient conditions

GE Healthcare’s mission is to enable healthcare professionals to confidently and cost effectively assesses patient conditions across diverse clinical environments, providing ultrasound solutions that are simple and dependable.
“We see there are more and more physicians around the world who want to start using ultrasound in their practice and/or want to have a great ultrasound machine that is reliable and affordable, yet versatile to cover broad range of most common clinical scanning needs. Versana Essential is built on years of GE ultrasound legacy in technology and reliability. With Versana, we wanted to increase accessibility of high quality ultrasound solutions for a wider range of physicians.

Ultrasound is now an essential part of the diagnostic tool kit in general practice. It’s great for quickly determining whether a patient is suffering from a particular illness or a serious condition that needs to be treated immediately in the hospital; the Versana Essential ultrasound system’s image quality is outstanding. The supplementary functions are very good, and the system continually produced excellent images, according to the company.

“Regardless of the price point, we strive to provide long- lasting best-in-class image quality. Even with a cost- effective product like Versana Essential, we know that Image Quality is critical, and we leveraged cutting edge technology elements utilized in GE’s ultrasound range to ensure excellent image quality”.

Essential features

The Versana Essential system features intuitive design and automated tools, like one-touch, dynamic image optimization – a feature called Whizz and automated measurement tools, which enhance clinical workflow and enable faster scan times. Some of the important features include:

  • Whizz – one touch dynamic image optimization tool. The feature, when activated, continuously optimizes the image as physicians scan, even as the user moves from one organ or region to another,
  • Auto IMT automatically calculates the intima-media thickness of the vessels rather than measuring it manually,
  • Sonobiometry enables automated fetal measurements; bi-parietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference and femur length
  • Scan Assistant guides the user step by step through an exam, while reducing keystrokes

Equipped with Scan Coach and My Trainer product training modules, Versana Essential helps physicians have a fast start with their new ultrasound. Versana Essential system supports a range of clinical applications
including abdominal, vascular, obstetrics, gynecology and cardiac – providing clinical flexibility.

Versana Essential vs. ordinary machines

The range of different types of exams and patient conditions that can be scanned with the ultrasound system could be different, some of the other features related to ergonomics (such as articulated arm, touch- panel, screen size etc.) and the extend of availability of workflow; clinical etc. automation features might be different as well, according to GE Healthcare.

“Versana Essential is especially suited for physicians who want to incorporate ultrasound into their practice or want to move up from standard black-and-white systems. It offers sophisticated imaging features backed by comprehensive service and support, including flexible financing options that make the system easy to own. Our customers can expect the dependability and reliability of GE’s world-class ultrasound solutions and support of our local expert team regardless of their price point.”

Budget- friendly devices

Versana Essential is designed and produced on a platform dedicated to provide high quality accessible ultrasound machines with best in class image quality and automation tools that helps with ease of use. It is available in Europe, Middle East, Africa, India, South East Asia and other geographies will follow, as registration processes will be completed. “Technology advances at an amazing speed. Evolving clinical, economical and user needs will continue to define the choices of products being developed. There will be more and more options, balancing various user needs and making a wide variety of devices available for everyone at their price point -whichever it may be – hence making quality healthcare more accessible to a wider group of physicians and communities,” concluded Watton.