Case Study | 23 July 2025
How a MedTech Company Reinvented Imaging Systems for Extended Use in Complex Procedures
Posted by : Radhika Pawar
In the evolving healthcare environment, the demand for sophisticated diagnostic and interventional imaging systems is at an all-time high. As medical professionals undertake longer and more complex procedures, there is a rising need for equipment that offers precise dose control, effective heat management, and sustained performance. This case study highlights how a well-known medical technology company enhanced its imaging systems to overcome overheating issues, optimize radiation dose levels, and support extended clinical use, guided by the strategic expertise and research-driven support of Research Nester.
An overview:
Our client is a global medical technology enterprise headquartered in Europe with a growing presence across North America and Asia Pacific. With a portfolio that spans diagnostic equipment, surgical imaging systems, and digital health solutions, the company is known for its contributions to both acute care and outpatient settings. The company also provides technical services, training, and consumables to support healthcare providers in delivering precise care.
The client's objective was to develop a new generation of mobile fluoroscopic imaging systems, especially C-arms, that could be used safely and efficiently in long-duration surgeries such as endovascular, cardiac, and spine procedures. The two main issues they faced were:
- Device overheating during prolonged procedures resulted in unexpected shutdowns, posing serious risks to patient safety.
- Inadequate radiation dose control, leading to elevated exposure levels for both patients and medical staff.
They engaged Research Nester to help them in innovation, optimizing product designs, and repositioning themselves as a top leader in interventional imaging.
The Story
C-arms are critical tools in image-guided surgeries and diagnostic workflows. However, hospitals and surgical centers had increasing concerns about the thermal stability and radiation safety of existing systems, particularly during procedures exceeding 60 minutes. The inability of devices to dissipate heat efficiently often led to delays or procedure interruption, which in turn posed both safety risks and reputational harm to the institution.
Our client was also under pressure from competitors providing hybrid operating room solutions and fixed imaging alternatives with more advanced dose modulation technologies. The growing focus on value-based healthcare, which prioritizes outcomes, safety, and cost-efficiency, further doubled the urgency to evolve their product line. Adding to the complexity, the company did not have a clear understanding of regional market demands, changing regulatory requirements, and innovation standards across different demographics.
Our Solution:
Research Nester implemented a structured, step-by-step approach to help the client modernize its imaging systems and expand its market presence.
- Understanding the market and competitors: We started by analyzing the current scenario of mobile and fixed C-arm systems. This involved measuring global demand, evaluating how leading competitors solved challenges of overheating and radiation management, and reviewing usage in hospitals, especially during extended surgical processes. The research exposed a clear industry shift toward advanced technologies, including enhanced cooling mechanisms, intelligent dose regulation, and real-time imaging features.
- Strategic roadmap and investment planning: With those insights, we built a detailed plan to help the client move forward. This included a full analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, as well as external factors like regulations and market conditions. We also laid out region-wise launch timelines, estimated potential risks and rewards, and calculated expected returns for each new development. This helped the client get a clear idea of how their investments could pay off and how their devices could offer a more affordable option compared to expensive hybrid operating rooms.
- Exploring cooling technology options: Our research and development team worked alongside engineers to look into better ways to keep the systems cool during long procedures. We evaluated different cooling methods, from basic passive techniques to advanced liquid-based systems, and tested fan designs that provided both quieter operation and improved efficiency. The team also considered the potential of integrating thermal sensors to identify early heat buildup and adjust system settings in real time to avoid shutdowns.
- Meeting global regulatory requirements: To make sure the new systems can be sold and used across various regions, we studied medical device regulations in the U.S., Europe, India, and Southeast Asia. We described the necessary approval processes, including CE Marking, FDA 510(k), and Indian regulatory pathways. Our team also guided on how to speed up approval using data from similar devices already on the market and helped the client prepare technical documents required for compliance with global medical standards.
- Product portfolio repositioning: We helped the client update the way they presented their product line. The focus was placed on branding the devices as suitable for longer surgeries. Messaging emphasized safety, reliability during extended use, and flexibility across different medical specialties. We highlighted use cases in areas like orthopedic trauma, vascular access, spine procedures, and image-guided cancer treatments to show the range of applications.
- Planning for international expansion: To help the client expand globally, we predicted future demand for C-arms by region and medical field. We also created models to understand how price sensitivity would impact adoption in developing countries. Finally, we suggested tailored training programs for healthcare providers to make sure the new systems were used effectively and safely.
Results
Within 12 months of engagement with Research Nester, the client underwent remarkable breakthroughs in product performance, market reach, and clinical adoption.
- Overheating problems eliminated: By applying hybrid cooling systems that combine high-capacity heat sinks with dynamic fan-based thermal regulation, the new-generation C-arm could run continuously for up to 2.5 hours, a 90% improvement. As a result, prolonged surgical procedures could function without delays or system shutdowns, notably reducing the number of canceled or rescheduled operations.
- Better radiation dose control: The updated system is made with intelligent dose control features that adjust radiation levels in real-time, depending on factors such as tissue density, the location of organs, and the surgeon’s positioning. This resulted in 35% less radiation exposure without degrading image quality. Medical teams reported clearer visuals even at lower doses, which helped improve accuracy and made procedures safer for both patients and staff.
- Broader clinical use: Due to the system's better thermal management and improved dose control, the upgraded C-arm was approved for use in a range of complex medical procedures, including:
- Vascular surgeries continuing over 90 minutes
- Continuous cardiology interventions
- High-resolution orthopedic imaging in trauma cases
This broader applicability brought in new buyers from multi-specialty hospitals and academic institutions.
- Growth in revenue and efficiency: Since the introduction of the new systems, the client’s operational revenue climbed by 23% year-over-year, service contract renewals jumped by 31%, fueled by enhanced user satisfaction, and the company went back to the top three position in mobile imaging equipment sales in Europe and North America.
- Strategic educational partnerships: In the third quarter, the client grabbed a partnership with a global university hospital network to test the upgraded C-arm models in neurosurgical labs. The pilot findings helped validate product performance and were later published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, supporting the company in building trust and credibility among healthcare professionals.
Conclusion
This case study highlights how a forward-looking medtech company, supported by strategic research and innovation, tackled two of the most pressing challenges in surgical imaging, i.e., thermal stability and radiation control. With Research Nester’s guidance, the client didn’t just solve a technical issue; they repositioned their product as a versatile, safe, and cost-efficient solution for long-duration procedures.
By investing in future technologies and adjusting to global clinical demands, the company not only revived its competitive edge but also boosted its mission of enhancing patient care through new advanced imaging platforms. As of early 2025, the company has launched the new systems in over 27 countries, with plans for full-fledged expansion by 2031, solidifying its place at the center of smart interventional imaging.
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