A recent research report cites 10 medical device technologies with significant growth potential that are valued at roughly $454.3 billion. The technologies include:
1. Diagnostic imaging, including nuclear imaging, interventional radiology, and capsule endoscopy.
2. Drug-delivery technologies.
3. Molecular diagnostics, which spans nanotechnology breakthroughs and proteomics.
4. Mobility-assistiance technologies.
5. Technology for minimally invasive surgery.
6. Microfluidics and MEMS.
7. Non-invasive monitoring (continuous blood glucose monitoring)
8. Biomaterials (including antimicrobial woundcare technologies and orthopedic materials).
9. Bio-active implants such as neurostimulation devices.
0. Telemedicine
Out of this, approximately two-fifths ($177.8 billion) of this market comes from technologies for medical diagnostics. Drug-delivery devices comprise approximately $110.8 billion of the total market. The study covers the healthcare market from March of 2009 to March of 2014.
The fastest-growing medical device fields include biomaterials, telemedicine technologies, MEMS, microfluidics, and mobility-aid technologies. Out of these, biomaterials have the strongest potential for growth due to their larger market share. As of 2009, the total value of the biomaterials market was $46.6 billion. By 2014, this market is forecasted to increase to $85.5 billion. In the biomaterials market, antimicrobial wound dressing is the fastest growing segment. In 2009, antimicrobial wound dressings had an estimated market cap of $330 million. By next year, this is predicted to grow to $780 million.
In the healthcare industry, IT integration of medical devices and imaging technologies has led to a significant growth as well.
