World Cardiovascular Monitoring Market

The growing volume of electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring around the globe has created a strong need among end-users to demand equipment that facilitates effective and reliable management of patient data, according to a new report from Frost & Sullivan (London, UK), an international market analysis firm. The report covers resting ECG, ECG data management, stress testing, Holter, and event monitoring systems, and analyzes key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and strategies.

ECG monitoring equipment with enhanced communication capabilities has been a primary driver of revenue growth in the ECG monitoring equipment market. Increasingly, systems are being networked across various hospital information systems to allow fast and reliable access to complete patient information. Further promoting this trend was the decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 to require all ECG data submitted in support of drug applications to be in digital format.

Many equipment manufacturers are focusing on improving system accuracy, reducing errors, and providing additional clinical capabilities to enhance workflow. This trend is forecast to increase revenues in the resting ECG and ECG data-management segments.
The emergence of personal computer (PC)-based ECG monitoring systems is expected to drive growth within the physicians' office market for resting ECG products by offering cost-effective solutions as well as scalability.

"PC-based ECG monitoring systems allow software components to be added to a core PC system that is part of the diagnostic instrument,” said Seemeen Mirza, an analyst with Frost & Sullivan. "This enables end-users to download relevant software applications and run them on a Windows desktop or notebook computer.” Easy software upgrades to existing hardware platforms help reduce the need for major system upgrades.

The increasing volume of diagnostic cardiovascular monitoring in clinics and offices presents new growth opportunities for manufacturers, as fewer patients are being referred to hospitals for ECG monitoring. Hospitals need to communicate the ways their products and technologies enhance productivity and overall cost savings.

"If manufacturers can tap into the growing need for improved productivity and cost efficiencies in hospitals, they will be the ultimate winners in a large and very integral industry,” added Mirza.




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