Pappy
I don't know the technology of these new machines too well, and I'm not sure the PPP patent royalties will extend to this new generation. I do know that if the new machines aren't subject to pay-per-use charges, this will be a significant cash flow consideration for both Visx and BEAM. You WILL(!!!) see litigation on this subject.
You are 100% percent right about the reluctance of doctors to take on new machines when the old are functioning and getting the job done. Visx discovered this when they assumed (wrongly) that all Summit users would cash in their BEAM machines for Visx lasers. Without selling any new machines, I believe Summit still has more lasers running on site. The problem, however, is new installations.
The doctors and laser centers will go for the most efficient, all purpose, machines that cost the least amount, but delivers the surgery with proven results. I still can't get over LCAV buying Visx lasers with so much stock in the hands of Summit people, but that's how it going to be - and new capabilities will be sold in these new machine with various cost concessions (I'll bet).
To survive, BEAM and Summit better produce something new and comparable. |
