In 1961, the Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital used a laser on a human patient for the first time, destroying a retinal tumor. In 1963, the first medical laser devices, laser photocoagulators, were sold commercially
(at prices of ~ $5500 each) in the U.S. by two companies, American Optical and Optics Technology. Eventually, Coherent captured this market by replacing the ruby laser source with argon.

In the last five decades, lasers have been used in millions of procedures, including eye, cosmetic, gynecological, urology, laparoscopic, general surgery and dentistry. Specific procedures and numbers include:

• Approximately 700,000 Lasik procedures were performed in 2008
• More than 900,000 laser hair removal procedures in 2011
• More than 400,000 IPL laser treatment procedures in 2011

Current developments include the application of femtosecond laser systems in ophthalmology and other medical applications.

Medical Market Consulting is available to conduct research into the medical device trends that may have implications for your products and services.
Our researchers probe the causes underlying today’s trends in medicine and deliver incisive research reports that help businesses identify, develop and market new products.

References and Links:

http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-20-7-6989

http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/glasses-contacts-lasik/upload/LASIK-patient-guide.pdf

http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/Katalogteile/isbn3_8055/_97/_88/CUPDE42_02.pdf

http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=4819&page=52

http://spie.org/x13999.xml

http://kasap3.usask.ca/interestingtopics/files/Laser%20Invention/LaserHistory.pdf

http://www.aao.org/newsroom/upload/Eye-Health-Statistics-April-2011.pdf

http://www.surgery.org/media/statistics

” The ability to recruit the necessary number of volunteers is vital to carrying out clinical research that leads to health and medical advances,” said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. “This new centralized resource will make it much easier for the public and health professionals to learn about clinical trials and how people can participate in them.”

A search on “CAT scans” located 49 protocols actively accruing/recruiting new patients and 23 protocols actively following patients currently enrolled. From the patient perspective, a search on “diabetes” retrieved 53 protocols, including 34 protocols actively accruing/recruiting new patients and 19 protocols actively following patients currently enrolled.

Medical Market Consulting applauds this effort by the NIH to improve communication about clinical research trials which include both pharmaceutical and medical device interventions.

For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

Originally, as of January 1, 2012, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies were to begin compiling data on their physician expenditures (to meet the requirements spelled out in the Physician Payments Sunshine Provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.) However, CMS announced recently that the agency would not require manufacturers to begin collection of information until after the final regulations are issued sometime later in 2012. As a result, medical manufacturers will not be required to submit a disclosure report for the entire year but for only part of 2012.
(The disclosure report is due on March 31, 2013).

Sunshine LawThe Federal Sunshine Law requires manufacturers of medical devices, drugs, biologics and medical supplies to report payments and other transfers of value made to physicians and teaching hospitals to CMS for subsequent public disclosure. Collection of information was to begin January 1, 2012.

Exception: Market Research
Honoraria and incentives paid to physicians and medical personnel for participation in market research and product usability studies are not required to be reported if the research is “blind”. (The medical device company / manufacturer must not know the name of the physician participating in the research and the physician must not know the name of the medical company conducting the research.)

Since much market research is conducted in a “blind” fashion, these studies can continue to be done without monetary disclosure.
Medical Market Consulting has been conducting blind market research for medical companies for 20 years and this important work will not be hampered by the Sunshine Law.

Contact Medical Market Consulting for more information on market research, product usability testing and new business development.

Reference:
http://www.massdevice.com/blogs/massdevice/holiday-present-cms-proposed-regulations-implementing-sunshine

http://www.massdevice.com/news/medicare-drops-sunshine-law-proposals

Both are asking, where will be the future growth?

Obviously, you know that growth comes from new business, but it also comes from your existing businesses. To uncover new revenue opportunities look to your customers, potential customers and your competitors.

Converse with Your Customers
When you dialogue with your customers, you not only communicate that you understand and value their business but you may uncover hidden needs that could turn into new opportunities.

Communicate with Potential Customers
The healthcare market is changing significantly, impacting all businesses. If you understand how these changes are being perceived at the end-user level, you could create new opportunities for your business.

Understand Your Competitors
Your competitors make decisions daily that may impact your business.
Competitive intelligence provides the data to help you assess what you need to do to stay ahead.

Market Research Helps Uncover New Business Opportunities
Understanding market dynamics and conducting research with end-users are keys to discovering new opportunities for future growth. A consulting firm with specialized knowledge and experience in market research can assist you in finding these new opportunities.

Marketing in a Depressed Economy
Marketing programs and market research must continue to play key roles in your company’s business strategy, even in a down economy. Devon Blaine, president of The Blaine Group, said :

“Businesses that maintain aggressive marketing programs
during a recession outperform companies that rely
more on cost-cutting measures”.

 After the 1990 recession, Coopers & Lybrand surveyed CEOs from growth companies and found that:

“A strong marketing program enables a firm to solidify its customer base, take business way from less aggressive competitors, and position itself for future growth during the recovery.”

http://www.blainegroupinc.com/what_we_offer_succeeding.html