Guidepoint: RSNA 2024 Insights for Investor Firms
Client Objective
To provide a comprehensive analysis of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2024 conference, focusing on:
- Comparing RSNA 2024 themes and innovations to prior years to identify evolving trends.
- Highlighting standout companies, products, and innovations, including helium-free MRI systems, photon-counting computed tomography (CT), advancements in mammography, and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS).
- Assessing 2025 capital spending trends for imaging equipment in developed and emerging markets.
- Delivering insights on advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) for workflow optimization and diagnostic accuracy.
- Examining potential geopolitical impacts, including trade policies, regulations, and material sourcing concerns.
Key Insights Delivered
- Comparison of Previous RSNA Conferences
- Attendance & Engagement:
RSNA 2024 experienced record-high attendance, reflecting renewed global participation post-pandemic. - Shifts in Focus Areas:
The conference emphasized AI integration, sustainability, and advanced imaging technologies, marking a shift from traditional hardware-centric themes of prior years. - Standout Companies and Products
- Helium-Free MRI Systems:
- GE HealthCare: Introduced the SIGNA Champion, a helium-free 1.5T MRI system designed for operational efficiency and enhanced patient comfort.
- Siemens Healthineers: Unveiled the Magnetom Flow, a 1.5T MRI system featuring a closed helium circuit with only 0.7 liters of liquid helium, eliminating the need for a quench pipe and promoting sustainability.
- Philips: Showcased the BlueSeal MR Mobile, the world’s first mobile MRI system with helium-free operations, utilizing a fully sealed magnet preloaded with 7 liters of liquid helium, significantly reducing operational and sustainability challenges.
- Photon-Counting CT:
- Siemens Healthineers: Debuted the Naeotom Alpha Pro and Alpha Prime, delivering unmatched image clarity and reduced radiation dose.
- GE HealthCare: Continued developing photon-counting CT technology for next-generation imaging solutions.
- Mammography Breakthroughs:
- Hologic: Launched 3Dimensions Mammography System with AI tools for lesion detection, enhancing early-stage breast cancer diagnostics.
- Philips: Advanced spectral imaging in mammography with its MicroDose Mammography System, offering reduced radiation dose and enhanced diagnostic accuracy.
- PACS Leaders:
- Sectra: Recognized for innovative PACS solutions with superior imaging informatics and workflow efficiency.
- Intelerad: Stood out for its robust cloud-based PACS platforms tailored for scalability and interoperability.
- Spending Trends and Capital Budgets for 2025
- Developed Markets:
Anticipated 3-5% increases in capital budgets, focusing on AI-enabled systems and sustainable technologies. - Emerging Markets:
Robust demand for mid-tier imaging systems, driven by healthcare expansion initiatives. - Advancements in AI, ML, DL, and Threats to Core Modalities
- AI for Workflow Optimization:
AI tools are assisting radiologists in managing workloads, prioritizing critical cases, and reducing diagnostic errors. - Diagnostic Accuracy:
ML and DL applications integrated with traditional imaging modalities offer real-time analytics and advanced visualization, improving clinical outcomes. - Potential Threats:
While core modalities like X-ray and ultrasound remain critical, portable imaging devices and liquid biopsies represent potential long-term threats to traditional systems. - Geopolitical Impacts
- Trade Policies:
Concerns over potential tariffs and restrictions affecting the import of critical components, such as semiconductors and helium supplies for imaging systems. - Regulatory Shifts:
Anticipation of possible regulatory changes impacting product approval timelines and compliance requirements. - Material Sourcing:
Emphasis on diversifying supply chains and increasing regional manufacturing to mitigate geopolitical risks and ensure production continuity.
Final Recommendations
Invest in AI and Digital Health
- Prioritize investments in companies offering AI-powered solutions that improve workflow efficiency and diagnostic accuracy, such as Siemens Healthineers, GE HealthCare, and Philips.
- Explore opportunities in AI for disease-specific diagnostics, including Alzheimer’s and oncology.
Capitalize on Emerging Market Growth
- Focus on mid-tier imaging systems tailored to the needs of developing regions, such as X-ray and ultrasound equipment.
- Form strategic partnerships with local stakeholders to ensure successful market entry and long-term growth.
Address Geopolitical Risks
- Encourage portfolio companies to diversify suppliers and invest in regional manufacturing to mitigate trade disruptions and ensure supply chain resilience.
- Monitor policy changes closely to adapt strategies proactively.
Promote Sustainable Technologies
- Support companies advancing helium-free MRI systems to address sustainability challenges and operational cost concerns.
- Highlight these technologies’ benefits when engaging with stakeholders in both developed and emerging markets.
Enhance Core Modalities with AI
Drive innovation in integrating AI, ML, and DL applications into core imaging systems to maintain competitive advantage and extend product life cycles.
Key Client Outcome(s)
RSNA 2024 highlighted a pivotal shift in the MedTech landscape, with AI, ML, and DL integration taking center stage alongside sustainability-focused innovations like helium-free MRI systems and photon-counting CT technology.
While traditional imaging modalities remain robust, disruptive technologies and geopolitical uncertainties demand proactive strategies.
By aligning with market leaders, capitalizing on emerging markets, and investing in sustainable and AI-driven technologies, investor firms can secure a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem.
Get in Touch
Ready to optimize operations, boost revenue, and enhance patient outcomes?
Book your free initial consultation today to see how we can transform your healthcare organization!