Intraoperative Imaging for the OR of Today
This article was originally published in Start Up
Executive Summary
Intraoperative imaging using MRI brings real-time imaging into the neurosurgical suite, complementing other methods of helping neurosurgeons visualize their operating fields. Neurosurgical interest seems high, but with the technology new and extremely expensive, adoption rates are at a crawl. Two big players, Siemens and GE, are in the market. Now, Odin Medical, an Israeli start-up, is offering a lower cost, but less powerful system that it says is more practical and adequate for neurosurgeon's needs. A new deal with Medtronic's Surgical Navigation Technologies division should help drive sales.
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Magnetic Moment
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In terms of medical applications magnetic resonance imaging could serve, the modality is still underused, and that means a large, untapped growth opportunity for the entrenched large manufacturers that dominate the industry with an installed base of capital equipment. Small companies have a role to play as well, with adjunctive technologies that serve the large players, or in niches too small for the multi-billion dollar players to notice.