I don't know anything about this particular case, but systems like that based on controlling "consumables" are very common. Sometimes it's simple price gouging

I don't know anything about this particular case, but systems like that based on controlling "consumables" are very common. Sometimes it's simple price gouging, sure, or at least partly. Often, though, it was in response to capitol equipment budgeting and per-procedure pricing (& insurance). It can be easier for organizations to justify/budget the cost (and pass that on) amortized over N exams than all up front, so device manufacturers figured out ways to do this. These days some devices are entirely funded by contracted use (i.e. free razor, pay for the blades), much like office printers etc. You are right that the industry as a whole has little interest and no incentive to allow experimentation and re-purposing. Part of this is liability, a lot is lack of any incentive. On the other hand, research lab equipment with similar functionality is often far more accessible (and more expensive)