Diagnostic imaging modalities are seeing increased demand for novel technologies, similar to the market surge for open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems in the late 1990s. The current trend favors high-field compact magnet MR and thinner, multi-slice computed tomography (CT) with quicker image reconstructions. Another promising development is the fusion technology of different modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, MRI/magnetoencephalogram (MEG), and X-ray/ultrasound. However, given the poor managed care reimbursement rates, end users are likely to be conservative spenders.
