Growth will continue to occur through 2013, according to Millennium Research Group

November 12, 2008—Waltham, Massachusetts—According to Millennium Research Group’s (MRG’s) US Markets for Biopsy Devices 2009 report, the popularity of advanced imaging technologies will restrict the number of gastrointestinal (GI) and breast biopsy procedures performed through 2013.

The availability of endoscopes with microscopic capabilities for visualizing tissue at the cellular level has decreased the requirement for a biopsy in endoscopic GI procedures. PENTAX’s Confocal Endomicroscope, for example, enables physicians to examine inner structures at extreme magnifications, in some cases allowing for diagnosis without the need for a biopsy. Should additional competitors enter the endomicroscopy market, unit growth for GI biopsy forceps will slow.

“Likewise, breast biopsy procedures will be affected by advanced imaging technologies,” says Sarah Leonard, Analyst at MRG. “Improvements in breast imaging technology are leading to more accurate evaluations of suspected breast cancers, potentially reducing the need for breast biopsies. In particular, breast MRI, breast-specific gamma imaging, and positron emission mammography provide information that can help determine whether a suspicious lesion is benign or malignant, boosting the appeal of diagnostic breast imaging and slowing growth in the number of breast biopsies being performed. Nevertheless, physician fear of malpractice lawsuits and limited reimbursement for advanced imaging will prevent US breast and GI biopsy procedure volumes from declining in the next five years.”

MRG’s US Markets for Biopsy Devices 2009 report provides coverage of key industry competitors including Angiotech, Boston Scientific, Cardinal Health, ConMed, Cook Medical, C.R. Bard, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Hologic, Olympus, PENTAX, SenoRx, and more.