Economy and Business

GE unveils a new orthopedic technology at Expo

By Chen Qide (China Daily Shanghai Bureau)
Updated: 2010-06-28 17:48

GE Healthcare launched the global debut of the new generation model of its C-arm at the Expo Garden Monday to highlight the latest innovation in the field of orthopedic minimally invasive surgery (MIS) technology.

The new facility Brivo OEC 850 is a result of the common effort made by GE's comprehensive R&D resources both globally and locally, an innovative tradition GE has kept with, said Marcelo Mosci, president and CEO of GE Healthcare China.

"This innovation which prioritizes the China market is believed to play a key role in initiating the technology advancement within the MIS arena," said Mosci.

The newly-developed device is designed to enhance MIS use in orthopedic surgery to reduce the likelihood of complications for patients combined with increased recovery time, as well as lower costs achieved through improved efficiency of medical resources.

It also provides a range of quality innovations to offer even greater image clarity while emanating significantly lower levels of radiation.

Mosci said China has a very high demand for such medical devices to meet the needs of its further medical improvement.

"We feel the pressure for the demand, for so many county-level hospitals are short of the device," said he.

GE Healthcare now has six plants in China to produce the new product for China as well as the world. Efforts will be made to improve its management for an increase of output, the CEO said. It plans to invest more in expanding business in China to meet the growing demand, he said.

Mosci didn't give the specific amount of how much will be spent, but he said the company will try to reach its annual sales at $1 billion this year and dramatically increase it in the following years, indicating a big investment will be needed to reach the target.

He said the company is looking for new locations for new factories in China, but he gave no details.

"Demand for the new medical device does exist at local hospitals, but some have a financial problem," he said.

GE has worked out a financing policy to help them fix the problem, he said.

The CEO said the new solution is just part of GE's healthymagination strategy it is actively promoting by using the World Expo as a dynamic platform. More new solutions will be developed, he said.

"The strategy aims to develop original solutions to environmental and health challenges around the world," he said.

Local medical experts said the new device is expected to enhance the field of orthopedic MIS procedures and lead to ongoing innovation in related technology and practices.

Pete McCabe, CEO of Global Surgery, GE Healthcare, said the new device has extended GE's legacy of inventing the world's first C-arm. With the device, surgeons can conduct various complicated surgical procedures to improve health for a greater number of patients, he said.