Mark Lazarus, president of Laztech Consultants, a company that provides support in the product development of innovative knitted fabrics for the medical market, answers our Q&A on Medical Textiles.

Q The medical area has experienced significant growth recently. What do you see as the biggest growth area within the medical market?

A As you know, there are multiple market segments within the medical market.  The two fastest growing segments are:
 1. Post surgical compression garments
 2. Sports medicine braces and devices

The post surgical compression garment growth has been fueled by the TV phenomenon of "extreme makeover", and the resulting boom in plastic surgery.  Also, through the education and marketing efforts of the medical garment companies, doctors are now more aware of the benefits of compression in the healing of the skin and muscles.

The sports medicine market is being fueled by the aging baby boomer market who still wants to stay active, but may need knee braces, ankle braces, etc. to be able to participate in their sport of choice.  Also, there has been a considerable shift in the attitude of professional athletes towards protective devices. Twenty years ago, no Major League baseball player would wear elbow protection while batting....it just wasn't macho! Now, the devices are commonplace.

Q The growth is occurring throughout the world.  In which countries is the growth in medical fabrics likely to be the greatest?

A Certainly, the growth has been tremendous in the US, but we have also seen considerable growth in European countries as well as Japan.  The largest market in terms of potential growth is China, as their economy grows rapidly.

Q Who do you see as the major players in meeting the needs of the medical market?  Where are the opportunities, and who has the edge?

A I'm not sure if you are asking about garments, devices, or the fabrics to make them.  In compression therapy garments, the leader in technology is Marena (www.marenagroup.com).  The advanced fabrics they use in their garments maximize the benefits of compression to their patients, and every one of their garments can be delivered within 24 hours, whether in stock or not.  BSN-Jobst continues to be the largest in the US in both compression therapy garments and burn garments.

The leaders in sports medicine applications in the US are McDavid, Professional Products, and AccuMed.  Leaders in fabric innovations are Charbert, EFA, Darlington, and United Knitting.

Q What are the challenges to manufacturers in meeting the needs of the medical market?

A There are many challenges!  First, many of these products must be
approved for use in the US by the FDA.  This process can be long and cumbersome.  They must continue to innovate and bring functionality to the consumer.  And they must not submit to the "Wal-Martization" of America, meaning, sacrificing benefits of the product strictly to get the price down to discount levels.

Q What specifically are you doing to develop products for the medical market?

A I am working hard in two main areas to bring innovation to the market. Firstly, I am continuing the fusion of comfort technologies that have been adopted by the Activewear market into the compression technology of many medical fabrics.  Secondly, I am working on the incorporation of "smart fabrics" into medical products.  The potential of electronics in textiles is enormous!  Just imagine being able to wirelessly monitor the vital signs of an entire nursing home or hospital floor of patients on one computer!  Or
monitor an entire team of football players on the training field during the extreme heat of the summer!  These, and other applications of "smart fabrics" are just over the horizon.