Focused on key market topics and trends in Medical Imaging, and Imaging IT and AI, Signify Research has published industry insights with its “12 Predictions for ECR2022” ahead of the upcoming Annual Meeting to be held in Vienna, Austria from July 13-17, 2022. The summary was developed by members of the Signify Research team, which provides detailed market data that leverages analysts’ healthcare technology experience.
Medical Imaging Modalities
1. Tailored Solutions for out of Hospital Imaging
Solutions for out of hospital imaging have in the past been a primary focus for more novel vendors. However, the established imaging vendors will increasingly demonstrate how adaptable their solutions are to such outpatient settings, and how they can be a valuable partner and offer bespoke expertise in this transition which continues to drive expansion of healthcare networks.
2. Continued Focus on Advanced Imaging Systems
Advanced imaging modalities such as image guided therapy solutions, MRI and CT will be at the forefront of the latest innovation and product developments presented by medical imaging vendors. Reduced scan or procedure times and optimized operational efficiency are amongst some of the latest features to be demonstrated.
3. Implementation of Imaging Software Outside of Diagnostic Imaging
Primary use and implementation of AI typically been for diagnostic imaging solutions. Image guided therapy vendors will exhibit developments such as live fusion imaging capabilities. Industry firsts will include incorporation of AI into the image processing engine of angiography systems to improve visibility of medical devices and reductions in dose administration, as well as 3D visualization software with AI-based procedural guidance for niche interventional procedures.
4. Precision Medicine and Clinical Pathways
Precision medicine continues to be a prominent theme in medical imaging and at ECR2022 we expect to see demonstrations of end-to-end comprehensive solutions enabling imaging diagnosis, guidance, AI-based triage, treatment and management of bespoke clinical care pathways. Optimized clinical pathways and simplified workflows will be prominent themes
5. Ergonomics, Ease of Use and Workflow Efficiencies
From a hardware perspective, vendors will continue to evolve their ergonomic designs to improve the end-user experience, enhanced operational efficiency through simplified workflows and more streamlined designs to reduce the chronic strain placed on technicians.
6. Sustainable Solutions for Long Term Use and Smart Subscriptions
Imaging vendors are increasingly offering more sustainable products designed for long term use by providing subscription services which enable ongoing access to software updates and upgrades to the latest features.
Imaging IT & AI
1. Cloud
Despite slower transition to public cloud in Europe, vendors will continue to release new or rearchitected “cloud native” product modules for private and hybrid cloud deployment. Operational workflow tools, clinical viewers, business intelligence and data management platforms for imaging IT will be the highlights of new releases.
2. Enterprise Imaging
Multi ‘ology: While most of Europe has been focusing on consolidating radiology IT (enterprise radiology), the growing availability of typically siloed departmental diagnostic offerings will be consolidated into single platforms. Consolidation of breast imaging, non-invasive cardiology, emergency medicine, POCUS, ophthalmology, and visible light imaging (dermatology, etc.) will be more prominent. Discussions and partnerships for digital pathology consolidation with radiology will also intensify.
3. Business Model Evolution
As healthcare providers seek to de-risk investment, managed service and operational business models will be more prominently showcased for imaging IT products. Vendor flexibility will be crucial and will prove customers an opportunity to mix and match purchasing models across procurement.
4. New AI Solutions
New and existing clinical AI vendors will showcase products targeting less common clinical segments and/or use cases, e.g., aneurysms, prostate and MSK MRI. Imaging IT vendors will continue to rollout orchestration platforms and broader integration roadmaps.
5. Greater Emphasis on Workflow
Vendors will tout greater workflow capabilities beyond image analysis, with the aim of delivering greater value to the radiologist. These solutions will be targeted at emergency and critical care conditions, e.g., pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection and stroke imaging.
6. Product Evolution
Narrow algorithms for single tasks will be less sought after and vendors will highlight the enhanced capabilities of their products and how they help clinicians address specific problems.
For more information: https://www.signifyresearch.net/
April 25, 2024 
