Norbert Gaus: X-ray future is clear

Siemens X-ray division president Norbert Gaus wants to work with Israeli start-ups.

“Despite its rather old-fashioned image, the X-ray market has been growing rapidly in recent years,” Norbert Gaus, president of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI; XETRA: SIE) X-ray division tells “Globes”. “Digitalization of X-ray images has contributed to growth, as well as the increase in minimally invasive procedures, which rely on X-rays for navigation. We’re now doing things with X-rays, which previously could only be done with CT, such as images from multiple directions. This goes beyond natural growth in the field caused by an aging, fatter population who need more surgical procedures. I don’t see any of these growth factors disappearing in the coming years.”

Ultrasound and MRIs are no replacement for X-rays

“Globes”: X-rays have one major deterring factor - radiation, in contrast to ultrasound and MRI imaging, whose emissions are not deemed hazardous.

Gaus: “We used to think that there was a threat, but we now realize that there isn't one. Currently, neither ultrasound nor MRI give a good enough image for carrying out minimally invasive procedures. They’re only good enough for diagnoses. When the diagnosis becomes more available and accurate, there are more surgical procedures, and X-rays benefit.”

Gaus is in Israel for the expansion of Siemens’ Israeli branch. He is seeking to boost marketing of the company’s products and he is also interested cooperating with local start-ups.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on July 22, 2007

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2007

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